Tribune press service

Vinayak Padmadeo

New Delhi, February 15

It looks like Indian sport has reverted to a scenario where home is not mandatory for national level competition. In a similar case to when wrestlers from Haryana often competed in national championships representing Manipur and other northeastern states, a young archer from Andhra Pradesh competed in a tournament of the northern zone which was held in Sonepat this weekend.

Kunderu Venkatadri took part in the third Khelo India archery tournament organized for the 10 teams of the northern zone. Venkatadri placed first in the elimination round of the junior men’s compound event while representing the National Center of Excellence (NCOE), Sonepat. He then teamed up with T Chikitha to finish first in the compound mixed doubles category. Additionally, he was part of the team including Yashraj Dubey and Jai Singh who topped the rankings in the compound team competition.

Venkatadri, who has been at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) NCOE center for a few months, had previously represented his home state at the National Ranking Archery Tournament (NRAT) in Hyderabad last month, finishing 20th.

Archery Association of India (AAI) Treasurer Rajindra Tomar, who is also in charge of the North Zone tournament, told The Tribune that the Zone tournament was needed to give more competition to the next generation. However, he clarified that players can be invited to participate in zonal matches, but will only have to represent their national teams. “It was the third zone meeting. I’m happy to report that attendance has reached about the same level as our national championships. Scores also improved,” Tomar said.

“No Medal”

SAI, meanwhile, washed his hands of the gaffe saying that Venkatadri’s participation was allowed to give him competition and he was not awarded any medals.

“The archers who are part of the National Junior Archery Camp and the ongoing Para Archery Camp at NCOE Sonepat are from all over India and have participated in the league solely for the purpose of be exposed to competition, but haven’t been vying for a medal spot,” SAI mentioned. He added that competitions in other areas will take place in Kolkata, Manipur and Aurangabad in the coming months.