National Games 2025: Spotlight on Archery at national games in the heart of Uttarakhand
The 38th National Games of India is set to be a landmark event, showcasing the vibrant sporting culture of the nation.
Hosted by Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, this multi-sport extravaganza promises to be much more than just a competitive sporting event.
This event along with different sports will feature archery as one of its prominent sporting disciplines.
The archery competitions will be held at the RGIC Stadium in Raipur, Dehradun, providing a premier platform for archers from across the country to showcase their skills.
The National Games will bring together top archers from various states, offering a competitive arena for both established and emerging talents. For instance, notable archers like Tarundeep Rai, a four-time Olympian representing Sikkim, will be among the participants vying for medals
Schedule Highlights:
Start Date: February 1, 2025
Final Matches: February 7, 2025
Categories:
Recurve: Men’s and Women’s Individual & Team Events
Compound: Men’s and Women’s Individual & Team Events
Mixed Team Events for Recurve and Compound
Traditional Bow Demonstration Matches
The Contenders to Watch
Recurve Category
Men’s Recurve:
Atanu Das (West Bengal): A seasoned Olympian and national champion, Atanu remains a strong contender in this category.
Tushar Shelke (Maharashtra): Known for his mental fortitude and consistency in high- pressure situations.
Dhiraj Bommadevara (Andhra Pradesh): A rising star, he’s shown exceptional promise in recent international tournaments.
Women’s Recurve:
Deepika Kumari (Jharkhand): The ace archer and Olympian, ranked among the top globally, is the favorite to clinch gold.
Simranjeet Kaur (Punjab): A young talent who has impressed at recent national championships.
Komalika Bari (Jharkhand): A two-time World Youth Champion, she adds depth to the competition.
Compound Category
Men’s Compound:
Abhishek Verma (Delhi): India’s top-ranked compound archer, renowned for his precision and calm under pressure.
Mohit Bhardwaj (Haryana): A consistent performer, with an eye on breaking records.Women’s Compound:
Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Andhra Pradesh): India’s most successful compound archer on the global stage, she is a favorite for gold.
Priya Gurjar (Rajasthan): A young prodigy with multiple podium finishes at the international level.
Mixed Team Events
The mixed team events will see thrilling partnerships, including the power duo of Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari for recurve and Abhishek Verma teaming up with Jyothi Surekha Vennam for compound, both of whom are medal favourites.
Host State Highlights: Uttarakhand’s Archery Stars
As the host, Uttarakhand brings its own talent to the fore. Keep an eye on:
Arjun Bisht: A local favorite in the men’s recurve category, known for his sharp focus and adaptability.
Poonam Rana: Competing in the women’s compound category, Poonam is determined to make her mark.
Eligibility Criteria
The stringent selection process ensures that only the best compete at the National Games:
Recurve & Compound (Individual): Top 8 Archery Association of India (AAI)-ranked players.
Mixed Team Events: Top 5 teams based on cumulative rankings.
Why Archery Will Be Unmissable
The archery events at the National Games are more than just competitions—they’re a celebration of India’s rich heritage and the modern evolution of this timeless sport. Fans can expect to witness moments of high drama, breathtaking precision, and unyielding determination.
With the natural beauty of Uttarakhand enhancing the experience, attendees will also get a chance to explore the state’s vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and delectable cuisine.
Mark your calendars for February 1 to 7, 2025, and join us in the heart of Uttarakhand for a week of thrilling archery action that will leave you inspired and in awe!
