Odisha won one silver and one bronze medal in the Khelo India-NTPC East Zone Open Archery Tournament, which was held at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Khunti, Jharkhand on 22 and 23 March 2024. Diba Ranjan Munda, who hails from Balangir, secured the silver medal in men’s compound round.

Arjun Khara, who trains at Koraput Sports Hostel, claimed the bronze medal in men’s recurve round. As many as 11 archers represented Odisha at the East Zone tournament. They were accompanied by eminent coach Rajesh Hasdak.

According to Odisha Archery Association secretary Sampurnananda Das, Dibya Ranjan Munda has been honing his skills without the help of any coach. The State Government gave him a compound bow before the last National championship. “Dibya can win greater laurels if he gets the opportunity to train under a coach,” said Das.
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PHOTO: Odisha archers Dibya Ranjan Munda (Left) and Arjun Khara pose with their East Zone medals in Khunti on 23 March 2024.