Eleven-year-old Paanav Shah Brings Glory to Maharashtra at the Mumbai Mayor Cup and Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to His Grandfather
Ajay Motiwala
Mumbai: It is common to see talented athletes win medals through determination and self-belief under favourable circumstances. However, what 11-year-old archer Paanav Ketan Shah of Kandivali (West) achieved within just four days while battling grief, adversity and emotional trauma is truly extraordinary. At the Mumbai Mayor Cup National Field Indoor Archery Championship 2025-26, held at the Sahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Andheri Sports Complex, Paanav won an impressive haul of four gold medals, four silver medals and two trophies. His remarkable performance brought pride to the Jain community, Mumbai, Maharashtra and India. He proved that a true champion is one who not only succeeds in favourable situations but also fulfils a promise made to a loved one after suffering a personal loss, turning grief into inspiration for others.
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Paanav Shah, a member of the Visha Shrimali Shwetambar Jain community with roots in Patan, North Gujarat, is a Class VII student. Competing against participants from more than 15 states, including Gujarat, in the national-level Mumbai Mayor Cup Archery Championship organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), he secured the following achievements:
(1) National Division – Category 1 (Under-17): Gold medal in the individual event, gold medal in the team event and an individual champion’s trophy.
(2) National Division – Category 2 (Under-14): Gold medal in the team event and silver medal in the individual event.
(3) Mumbai Division – Category 1 (Under-14): Gold medal in the individual event and silver medal in the team event.
(4) Mumbai Division – Category 2 (Under-17): Silver medal in the individual event and silver medal in the team event.
(5) Overall Winner – Team Maharashtra: Trophy winners.
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The Mumbai Mayor Cup Archery Championship was held from July 30 to August 2. Speaking to Mumbai Samachar, Paanav’s father, Ketan Shah, said, “My father passed away in Kolkata on July 27. A day before his demise, on July 26, he blessed his grandson Paanav and told him to perform brilliantly in the Mumbai tournament and share the photographs with him afterwards. Sadly, he passed away the very next day. The entire family was devastated. We all travelled from Mumbai to Kolkata for the last rites and then returned because Paanav had to compete in the tournament.”
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Recalling the difficult circumstances, Ketan Shah added, “On July 30, the opening day of the tournament, Paanav was unwell. He had a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit and was also suffering from an eye infection. Naturally, we were deeply worried. But Paanav displayed extraordinary courage, determination and self-confidence to deliver a phenomenal performance at the Mumbai Mayor Cup, winning a series of medals and trophies. This is the first time he has won so many medals in a single tournament. Through this outstanding achievement, he has paid the perfect tribute to his grandfather.”
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In just four years, Paanav Shah has accumulated an outstanding record in archery, winning 20 gold medals, six silver medals, six bronze medals and several trophies in competitions ranging from the local to the national level. The young archer is now determined to achieve even greater success on the international stage.
