Bhuwaneshwar: Odisha’s young archers delivered an outstanding performance at the 69th National School Games Under-17 Archery Championship, held from January 6 to 10, 2026, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The state secured a total of 10 medals, including 4 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze, finishing as the overall runner-up. Maharashtra claimed the first position, while Jharkhand stood third.
The Odisha team was fielded by the Odisha State School Sports Association under the School and Mass Education Department. Comprising 18 players—11 girls and 7 boys—the team’s success has inspired young sportspersons across the state to aim for greater achievements at national and international levels.
Among the standout performers was Rohit Kumar Marandi, a Class 10 student from UGP Government High School, Baripada in Mayurbhanj district. Rohit won three gold medals in the 30-metre Indian round, 30-metre Olympic round, and mixed team events, along with a silver in the overall 30-metre and 20-metre categories. Reshma Mallik from KISS School, Bhubaneswar, partnered with Rohit to clinch gold in the 30-metre mixed team event.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Rohit and Reshma on social media, describing their success as a proud moment for Odisha and acknowledging the four gold medals that enhanced the state’s reputation.
Sunita Naik from Keonjhar district earned silver in the 60-metre recurve round and bronze in the 60-metre individual event. Other silver medalists included Sabitri Patro (Keonjhar), Tenish Meher (Sundergarh), and Pankhi Bhatra (Bhubaneswar), contributing significantly to Odisha’s medal tally.
This achievement reflects the effectiveness of Odisha’s sports policies and training programs for young athletes. The state government’s ongoing initiatives to promote sports have nurtured talent at the school level. The success of Odisha’s youth archers signals a promising future, with potential to represent the state at the Olympics and Asian Games.
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