Mahasamund’s Rise in Archery: From Local Dreams to Global Arenas A Journey of Determination, Training, and Triumph

Raipur : Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh is rapidly carving out a name for itself in the world of sports, especially in the traditional discipline of archery. With 23 talented athletes receiving training at India’s leading sports academies, this district is not only nurturing dreams but also bringing glory to the state and the nation.

Padma Sahu: A Beacon of Inspiration

Among these rising stars is Padma Sahu from Mahasamund, who is currently receiving international-level training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Bahalgarh, Sonipat (Haryana). Her journey, which began in the heart of Mahasamund, has become a source of motivation for aspiring youth across the region.

National Achievements Shine Bright

At the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand in 2025, Mahasamund’s Chandni Sahu bagged a silver medal in the individual Indian round and a bronze medal in the team event. In recognition of her achievements, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai awarded her ₹3,20,000 for the silver and ₹1,20,000 for the bronze.

Other athletes from Mahasamund, including Chandni Sahu, Satyabhama Sahu, Padma Sahu, Jaya Sahu, Navleen Kaur, Toran Yadav, and Kamlesh Sahu, have represented the district at the 31st Senior, 44th Junior, and 40th Sub-Junior National Archery Championships, showcasing their exceptional talent.

Training at Premier Sports Academies

Currently, 11 athletes are receiving training at SAI Raipur and Koduram Verma Sports Academy, Raipur. Another 11 are undergoing coaching at the Khelo India Center in Bilaspur. In total, 23 athletes from Mahasamund are refining their skills at the country’s most prestigious institutions.

The Roots of Success: District-Level Nurturing

The journey for many of these athletes began at grassroots training centers such as Eklavya Residential School (Bhoring) and Ball Ashram (Bihajhar Bagbahara), under the guidance of trainers like Aven Kumar Sahu, Dr. Sunil Bhoi, Dr. Vikas Agrawal, Dr. Purendra Chandrakar, and Pirit Sahu.

Foundation Laid at the School Level

Schools like PM Shri Atmanand English Medium Schools in Bagbahara and Basna, and Government Higher Secondary Schools in Bakma, Komakhan, and Khopli played a crucial role by promoting archery and providing early exposure to the sport.

The guidance of District Collector Vinay Langeh and the support of departments like Youth Welfare, SAI, the Archery Association of India, Caffeine Home Ltd. Raipur, and Sports Officer Manoj Dhritlahare have been instrumental in facilitating resources, competitions, training camps, and academy admissions.

Mahasamund’s journey in archery is not just about medals—it’s about building dreams, empowering youth, and putting the district on the map of Indian sports.