YUPIA, Nov 23: The 42nd NTPC Sub-Junior National Archery Championship got underway at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, Yupia in Papum Pare district today, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurating the week-long event.
Organized by the Arunachal Archery Association (AAA) under the aegis of the Archery Association of India (AAI), the championship will continue till November 30.
An estimated 1,500 archers and officials are expected to take part in the championship, which involves 46 teams from 28 States, eight Union Territories and 10 affiliated archery units. The competition features three main disciplines: recurve, compound and Indian round, for both boys and girls.
Addressing the gathering, comprising mostly young archers, coaches and officials, the CM expressed confidence that the championship would serve as a vital platform for talented archers from across the country to display their skills. He noted that the event is a valuable learning opportunity for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting that archery has been an intrinsic part of the tribal society since ancient times.
Khandu exuded hope that the event would bring the State’s inherent archery skills to the forefront and help nurture promising talent to excel on the national stage. He also informed that a state-level archery event was recently organized in Tawang, as part of the state government’s efforts to promote the sport.
“We are providing professional training to our youth in compound and recurve archery so that they can compete at national and international levels. I believe it is only a matter of time before our youth earn recognition in major tournaments,” he said.
Encouraging youth to pursue sports, Khandu highlighted the job reservation policy for sportspersons, stating that the state government has earmarked 5% job reservation in all departments, with 10% reservation in the Police and Sports departments. He urged players to apply as per the established rules and guidelines.
On concerns regarding archery infrastructure in the State, the Chief Minister assured that the government is upgrading sports facilities. He announced that Arunachal Pradesh will host national and international events in the coming days and that a state-of-the-art archery range will soon be established at Yupia. He also informed that football stadiums in the State are slated for upgradation, following a recent review with the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association.
Earlier, Arunachal Archery Association (AAA) president and organizing committee chairman Tadar Niglar called for improved archery infrastructure and facilities, noting that archery has been the first discipline to bring laurels to the State at national and international levels.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were AAI vice president Satyanarayana Cherukuri, AAI observer KB Gurung, AAI competition director Rupesh Kar, Arjuna Awardee and former archer Dola Banerjee, advisor to the Sports Minister Zingnu Namchoom, Director Sports Tadar Apa, Arunachal Olympic Association Chairman Taba Tedir, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav, SP Nyelam Nega, AAA vice president and organizing committee vice chairperson Maryi Doyom, and Sports Authority of Arunachal chairman Neelam Jhon. (DIPRO)