Lanjigarh, 13/09/25 – A new wave of sporting excellence is sweeping across Kalahandi as 21 young archers from the district have secured their place in the prestigious 26th Odisha State Open Archery Meet 2025. Among the qualifiers are 12 boys and 9 girls, who proved their mettle during the district-level trials hosted at SSD School, Lanjigarh. The event, organised by the Kalahandi Athletic Association with support from Vedanta Aluminium, saw 40 archers competing across Indian Round, Compound, and Recurve categories.
This success stems from Vedanta Lanjigarh’s flagship Sports Training Initiative, launched in 2018 to nurture local sporting talent and open new opportunities for rural children. The programme provides access to national-level coaches, modern equipment, nutritional support, and logistical assistance—facilities that are often out of reach in underdeveloped regions. At present, 80 students are training in archery and athletics, while over 300 youngsters have benefitted since the initiative began.
The results speak for themselves. In FY 2024-25 alone, trainees clinched 37 medals at state-level competitions, represented Odisha in more than 20 national events, and secured a podium finish at the second Jan Jatiya Khel Mahotsav 2024. These milestones not only highlight the growing sporting prowess of the region but also reflect the resilience and aspirations of its youth.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “These young archers exemplify what can be achieved with the right guidance and support. Their success reflects the growing sporting spirit of Kalahandi, and we are proud to stand by them on their journey.”
As Odisha gears up to host one of its most prestigious archery meets, the rising stars from Lanjigarh are preparing to showcase their grit, determination, and skill—carrying with them not just the hopes of their families, but also the pride of an entire community. Their participation signals the beginning of a new sporting identity for Kalahandi, where young athletes are steadily rewriting the narrative of the district with bows, arrows, and unwavering ambition.
