Shillong, Nove12: Meghalaya’s Devraj Mohaptra made a promising start at the NTPC Senior National Archery Championship, finishing fourth in the men’s recurve qualification round with 674 points, as Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar officially inaugurated the national championship at the Archery Ground, Umsawli, on Thursday.
The championship, organised by the Archery Association of Meghalaya under the aegis of the Archery Association of India, brought together leading archers from across the country, with the opening day featuring the men’s and women’s recurve 70-metre qualification rounds.
In the men’s recurve qualification, Dhiraj Bommadevara of the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) topped the standings with 680 points, narrowly edging Maharashtra’s Parth Sushant Saunkhe, who finished second with 679 points.
Odisha’s Arjun Khara secured third place with 674 points, while Meghalaya’s Devraj Mohaptra finished fourth with the same score, giving the host state a strong start in front of the home crowd.
SSCB’s Sukhchain Singh and Haryana’s Paras Hooda finished fifth and sixth, respectively, with both archers scoring 672 points.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Kumkum Anil Mohod dominated the women’s recurve qualification round, securing the top position with 677 points.
She finished 15 points ahead of Jharkhand’s Ankita Bhakat, who secured second place with 662 points, while SSCB’s Sangeeta finished third with 660 points.
Maharashtra’s Sharvari Somnath Shende and Gatha Anandrao Khadake secured fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with 657 points each, giving Maharashtra three places among the top five competitors.
Gujarat’s Bhagora Bhargavi Vargishkumar completed the top six with 655 points.
Earlier, inaugurating the championship, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar welcomed athletes, coaches, officials and distinguished guests, including Padma Shri, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand awardees, along with medal winners from the recent Asian Games.
Addressing the gathering, Dhar expressed confidence that the participation of leading national and international archers would inspire young sportspersons in Meghalaya to take up archery and other competitive sports. “I am very confident that the participation of leading national and international athletes will inspire our young sportspersons and encourage greater participation in archery across all the districts,” Dhar said.
He highlighted the significance of hosting the national championship as Meghalaya prepares for the National Games scheduled for March 2027. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the event provides an important opportunity for the state to strengthen its organisational and technical capabilities ahead of the National Games.
Welcoming participants from different parts of India, Dhar said, “Our State may be small in population, but we are very big in heart.”
The championship began with the men’s and women’s recurve 70-metre qualification rounds, followed by the official opening ceremony.
The first day’s competitions concluded with the second 70-metre qualification round for women in the recurve category.
According to the Archery Association of Meghalaya, the men’s and women’s recurve team competitions, including the pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal rounds, are scheduled to take place on November 16.
