Sushila Netam of Kondagaon selected for National Archery Competition

The dream of reaching the Olympics is the light of sports in the shadow of Maoism

Bastar division, once known for Maoism, is now also being known for sports. The youth here are now touching new heights by joining sports. One such young player is archer Sushila Netam, who has once again brought laurels to Kondagaon district with her performance. Recently, Sushila has made her place for the national level archery competition by performing excellently in the 24th state level senior archery competition held at Khelo India Kodu Ram Verma Archery Center in Raipur. This competition will be held in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) between 15 and 20 December.

Archery journey started from Class VIII
Sushila Netam, a resident of Village Botiknera, started her archery in Class VIII. Currently she is pursuing college studies while staying in Post Matric Girls Hostel and taking archery training. Sushila says that initially she did not know much about archery. Even though her performance in the first match was not as per expectations, she did not lose courage. With the support of family members and teachers, she gained confidence and after hard work, she gradually improved her game.

Confidence increased amidst difficulties
Initially, lack of equipment and resources was the biggest challenge for Sushila. With the help of the district administration and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, all the players including Sushila were provided with necessary equipment, shoes and tracksuits etc. This gave a new step to her confidence. Sushila tells that for the first time she went to Nagpur by train to play the national match. Due to excessive excitement and travel, her health deteriorated due to which she could not perform well. But after this, she learned from her experience and improved the game and herself. Sushila secured her place in the Senior National in 2019-20, although she could not win a medal. After this, she worked on her shortcomings and won a bronze medal in the Khelo India competition in June 2023. This achievement was a confidence booster for her. Since then, she has continued to improve her game further and now dreams of participating in the Olympics.

Support of family and hard work of teachers became inspiration
Sushila says that initially her family did not know much about archery. But when she started playing at various levels, she started getting support from her family. Her father died in her childhood. Her mother is a housewife, and elder brother does farming. Despite the poor financial condition, the family gave her every possible support, which increased Sushila’s confidence.

Balance between sports and studies
Sushila tells about her daily routine that she takes out time for practice in the morning, then attends classes and in the evening she practices again in the ground and then studies at night. Sushila says that between sports and studies, she gives more time to sports.

Dream of reaching Olympics
Meeting Deepika Kumari in the eighth grade inspired Sushila to play in the Olympics. She decided at that time that she would also represent the country like Deepika Kumari. Sushila’s hard work and dedication has made her an inspiration for other youth of the district.

Sushila said that discipline, hard work and confidence are the most important things for success in sports. Her mother and family always encourage her to move forward. After securing the first position in the state level competition, she gave this good news to
her mother over the phone. Then her mother was proud and advised her to work harder.

Khelo India Mini Center has been established in the district to promote sports,
hone sporting talent and encourage rural youth towards sports. Through this center, better training, necessary equipment, and modern facilities are being made available to the players. The aim of the center is not only to recognize sporting talent at the local level but also to take them to the national and international platform. With the opening of Khelo India Mini Center in the district, interest in sports is increasing among the youth.