PANAJI: Goan archers will have a great opportunity to test their calibre at the 42nd NTPC National Junior Archery Championship 2022 to be held from at SAG ground, Campal from Friday. Amateur Archery Association Goa (AAAG) is organising the national championship under the aegis of Archery Association of India (AAI) and with support of Sports Authority of Goa.
Mallika Sinai Varde, who has been labelled as the next Snehal Divakar, is coming back after a long break because of her Board exams. She has now trained well since restarting regular practice from August under the guidance of coach Laxmi Priya Devi, and she is optimistic of rediscovering her peak level. “I am feeling good. But I don’t know what will happen (in this championship),” the 19-year-old told www.livenewsgoa.com.
Vaibhavi Tari and Rupal Patel are working hard and have been practicing archery for over five years now.
“My preparations have been nice. I hope to win national medal for Goa soon,” said the Porvorim-based Rupal, who represented the state at the last Khelo India Youth Games.
When asked what she makes of the star-studded field here, Rupal’s reply was: “First of all, our own competitor is ourselves. So, we should do what we are satisfied with.”
Vaibhavi, who debuted in the Indian round event and then shifted to Recurve six years ago, has set herself a target but she won’t disclose it now. “I am doing my best. I have a goal to achieve,” she says.
Shreyans Solanki, who has been practicing archery since 5 years, aims to give his best. The 18-year old archer from Ponda has experience of the national level from his sub-junior days. However, Covid enforced long break and the Std 12 exams; hurt his rhythm and the Engineering student of Goa Engineering College, is now looking to make an impact in the Recurve round.
