A Success Story of Talent and Training
Mahasamund, November 27, 2024 In the lush, tribal-dominated district of Mahasamund, archery is emerging as a promising sport, giving tribal children a platform to showcase their exceptional skills. Under the Khelo India initiative, the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Bhoring has been nurturing young talent with dedicated training programs, contributing to the rise of several state- and national-level archers from the region.
Regular Training Under Khelo India Program
The Khelo India Archery Training Center, operational at EMRS Bhoring, is run by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Mahasamund. National-level archer and coach Avan Kumar Sahu, based in Bagbahra, has been providing rigorous training to aspiring archers for the past two years. The program attracts children from across the district, including students from EMRS and local schools, ensuring an inclusive approach.
With well-equipped facilities and daily morning and evening practice sessions, young archers receive the resources and mentorship they need to hone their skills. The district administration has played a pivotal role in organizing archery competitions at the district, divisional, and state levels, further fostering talent and interest in the sport.
Remarkable Achievements in Competitions
Mahasamund’s young archers have consistently excelled in various competitions:
- State-Level Junior Archery Championship: 17 players from the Khelo India center participated, with 8 medals won by EMRS Bhoring athletes.
- Divisional-Level Archery Competition (Rajnandgaon): 12 participants won 12 medals, including 6 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
- School National Archery Championship: Devika Yadav represented Chhattisgarh at the national level.
These accomplishments have led to the selection of several players for residential sports academies in Raipur and Bilaspur, where they receive advanced training free of cost.
Notable Players and Rising Stars
Mahasamund boasts a growing roster of talented archers, including:
- Devika Sahu, Lakshmi Sahu, and Dileshwari Sahu (training in Raipur’s residential academy)
- Domeshwari Sahu and Yamini Dhivar (training at Khelo India Excellence Center, Bilaspur)
- Other key achievers include Srikant Jagat, Chandan Sidhar, Manisha Dhruv, Jayant Thakur, Umesh Bariha, Leena Netam, Divya Kumar, Kumudini Diwan, and Ashmi Nag.
These young players are not only excelling in their sport but also inspiring others in the community to take up archery.
Upcoming Competitions and Participation
The State-Level Eklavya Archery Competition, scheduled from November 27 to 29, 2024, in Ambikapur, will witness the participation of 10 athletes from Mahasamund, including Srikant Jagat, Chandan Sidhar, Manisha Dhruv, Kamna Dhruv, Yogesh Nag, and others.
Future Prospects
The success of Mahasamund’s tribal children in archery highlights the impact of structured training programs, adequate resources, and community support. With continued guidance under the Khelo India initiative and the district administration’s efforts, these young archers are set to achieve greater heights, showcasing Chhattisgarh’s rich sporting talent on national and international platforms.
This story is a testament to the transformative power of sports in empowering tribal communities and unlocking their untapped potential.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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