Being a tribal-dominated State, Odisha is believed to be as rich in archery talents as it is in natural resources. However, only a few archers from the State have been able to win national and international medals till date. There are various reasons as to why archery in Odisha has not been as productive as hockey.

But by winning medals occasionally, tribal archers have proved that they can bring greater laurels for the state and the country if given better facilities and support.

Sundargarh girl Sanjali Oram is one among such budding talents, who made Odisha proud by winning one bronze medal in Indian Round of the 1st NTPC Kids (U-13) Open National Archery Championship at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh yesterday.

The bronze medal assumed greater significance as Sanjali achieved it on her first National championship. She was the only medal winner among 20 budding archers who represented Odisha in the five-day National championship.

Daughter of Sambara and Ganduri Oram of Barghat village in Bonai block of Sundargarh district, Sanjali gave the credit of the National medal to her coach Tikili Mahakul, her academy, Government Girls High School, Baidpali (Bonai) and Jindal Foundation, which runs the academy.

Odisha Archery Association (OAA) secretary Sampurnananda Das congratulated both Sanjali and her coach for making Odisha proud with a National medal and wished them greater success in the future.

“The archery academy at GG High School, Baidpali has been set up only for girls. By producing a national medallist within eight months of its inception, the academy has not only boosted the confidence of its trainees, but also made a valuable contribution for the promotion of archery in the state,” said the OAA secretary.
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PHOTO: Odisha medal winner Sanjali Oram poses with her coach Tikili Mahakul during Kids National Archery Championship 2025 in Guntur.