The State Archery Championship 2026 commenced at the Sports Authority of India Centre, featuring over 200 archers competing across various categories.
Shillong, India Aug 11, 2026 ALN: The State Archery Championship 2026 got underway on Tuesday at the Sports Authority of India Centre on the NEHU campus, with more than 200 archers and officials participating in the three-day event. This championship serves as a significant platform for both seasoned and emerging archers to showcase their skills and compete for top honors in various categories.
Organised by the Archery Association of (AAM), the championship features archers across age groups competing in the Indian Round, recurve, and compound categories in both individual and team events. The inclusion of multiple categories allows for a diverse range of participants, catering to different skill levels and preferences within the sport. The Indian Round, known for its unique format that emphasizes both precision and consistency, is particularly popular among local archers.
The AAM expressed satisfaction with the representation of all 12 districts of at this year’s championship. This broad participation is indicative of the growing popularity of archery in the state and reflects the efforts of the AAM to promote the sport at the grassroots level. The opening day was dedicated to Indian Round events, with the first medals scheduled to be presented on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for many young athletes.
Smti Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest. She was accompanied by State Olympic Association General Secretary Shri Finely L. Pariat and Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Khroobok Passah. Their presence underlines the importance of government support in promoting sports and nurturing talent in the region.
Laloo and Pariat also tried their hand at recurve archery, experiencing first-hand the strength required to draw a bowstring and the focus needed to hit the target. This hands-on engagement not only demonstrates their commitment to the sport but also serves to inspire the young archers present.
Addressing the gathering, Laloo emphasized the collaborative efforts of the state government, sports associations, and athletes in preparation for the 39th National Games, which is scheduled to host next year. The National Games are a prestigious multi-sport event in India, and the archery championship serves as a vital preparatory step for athletes aiming to compete at a national level.
She highlighted ’s performance at the 1st Khelo India Tribal Games earlier this year, where the state secured two gold medals in archery, along with a bronze. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and the support provided by the AAM and the state government. "That shows that all the efforts of the association are paying off," Laloo stated, while encouraging the participating archers to carry forward the state’s growing legacy in the sport.
“On your slender shoulders lies the hope that this legacy will be carried forwards and translated into many more medals in future,” she told the young archers, instilling a sense of responsibility and pride in their participation.
Laloo also mentioned that two Centres of Excellence are being developed in the Garo Hills and Khasi-Jaintia Hills, describing this initiative as a dream of the Chief Minister. These centers aim to provide specialized training and resources to aspiring archers, ensuring that they have access to the best facilities and coaching available. This development is expected to significantly enhance the training environment for athletes and contribute to the overall growth of archery in the state.
The keynote address was delivered by Smti Matsiewdor War Nongbri, IAS, Chief Advisor of the AAM, a former archer and renowned archery judge. War Nongbri announced that the Senior National Archery Championship will be held later this year, and Laloo noted that this championship would be considered a test event for the 39th National Games. This test event is crucial as it will help organizers assess the logistics and readiness for the upcoming National Games.
Speaking about the history of the sport, War Nongbri remarked that archery had been an important means of survival for human communities, including those in , for thousands of years. She noted that it has since evolved into a sport and leisure activity, reflecting the cultural significance of archery in the region. The tradition of archery in is deeply rooted in the local culture, often associated with community events and festivals.
She also highlighted the contribution of archer Woodward Sohliya, whom she described as instrumental in the development of modern archery in India and the architect of the Indian Round. Sohliya’s efforts have paved the way for many aspiring archers, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations.
“After tireless striving, we stand at a much more comfortable place now,” War Nongbri said, attributing the progress to the vision of the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. This acknowledgment of collaborative efforts emphasizes the importance of a united approach in advancing sports in the state.
She noted that AAM had received extensive support in the form of coaches, performance directors, personnel, and equipment as it prepares to host the National Games. This support is vital for ensuring that athletes have the necessary resources to excel in their training and competitions.
“We promise not to leave any stone unturned to reach the pinnacles of glory that every archer seeks,” she concluded, reinforcing the commitment of the AAM to foster a competitive and supportive environment for archers.
The championship will continue on Wednesday, when the first medals of the three-day competition will be awarded. This event not only highlights the talent present in but also serves as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to make their mark on the national stage. As the championship progresses, it is expected to draw attention to the potential of archery in the region, inspiring more young individuals to take up the sport and contribute to its growth in the state.
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