Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 6: The initiative taken by the J&K Archery Association has started giving good results with over 30 young boys and girls attending to the regular coaching sessions for basics training at MA Stadium, here.
Since the State Sports Council do not have qualified coach in the discipline, these young trainees learn the fundamentals of this competitive sport through men from Indian Army.
"On a request from the Association, senior archers have been spared by the Army for evening coaching to the young enthusiasts. However, the introductory camp, held in June, was taken by coaches from Punjab," general secretary of the J&K Archery Association, Sunil Sharma said.
Started with a couple of trainees, the number has already crossed the 30 mark. The training session lasts for over two hours with every one getting a chance to hit at the target.
"The response is beyond our expectations. After going through the basic camp, a good number of these boys and girls have been regularly attending to the coaching sessions, which indicates of their commitment and dedication," he maintained.
Initially Manipuri sport, the modern archery has produced international stuff from Jharkhand and Punjab too.
"The game is not that expensive at the learning stage. The basic complete kit can be acquired with Rs 5,000. Since the material is not easily available in J&K, the Association helps in getting the right kind of stuff on reasonable rates from outside the state," informed one of the trainers.
At present, the training sessions were being held right on the road because the infrastructure created by the State Sports Council for the purpose could not fulfill the requirements of the game.
"We have just begun with the basic infrastructure and equipment. Demands have been projected with the Sports Council with regard to some additions and alterations in the present arena developed for the purpose and equipments for training," mentioned Sunil Sharma. |
