Hari Shukla requested a grant to help with expenses to attend the European Junior Championships in Rome. Below is his write up of the experience.
More details on the Grants Procedure and how to apply can be found on the Fees, Grants and Finance page of the website of by contacting Bob Beaney on grants@scasarchery.org.uk.
Hari Shukla
European Youth Championships 2026
I achieved selection to represent GBR in international competition this year at the 2026 European Youth Championships in Rome. This was my first experience at international level. I had attended many national simulation events over the years lasting many days but the travel, heat and scattered timing of events provided a fresh challenge.
I was very pleased with my qualification round, achieving 621 having targeted 620, especially given the hot conditions with sweeping gusts across the shooting field. Team rounds were hugely exciting, unfortunately though after an excellent start against an Italian team which went on the final we lost the match 6-2. My individual round was also very enjoyable, despite losing this to a strong Polish archer I was very pleased with my arrow average of 8.22 which on another day would have been enough to progress in the competition.
Having returned from Rome my reflections on the event and my performance are really positive. It has given me lots of insight into the sport at international level and I am even more determined to keep improving my technique to find the marginal gains I need to continue competing at the highest level. The week was spent with team-mates showing comaradrie, support and unity and I enjoyed every minute of it, a great first experience.
