In a remarkable display of skill and determination, a group of tribal youth from Assam’s remote villages has emerged as promising archery talents, catching the attention of state and national sports authorities. Their journey from humble beginnings to mastering the bow and arrow has sparked hope and pride in their communities, marking a potential turning point for archery in Assam.

The young archers, hailing from indigenous communities such as the Bodo and Karbi tribes, have been quietly honing their skills in makeshift archery ranges set up in their villages. Despite limited resources and training facilities, these athletes have shown exceptional talent, demonstrating precision and accuracy in local competitions.

One such talent is 17-year-old Ramesh Basumatary from Chirang district, who discovered his passion for archery while watching elders practice traditional hunting techniques. With a handmade bow and arrows, Basumatary began practicing daily, drawing inspiration from his community’s rich archery heritage.

“I started with a simple bamboo bow and arrows crafted by my father,” Basumatary shared. “Archery is in our blood, and I feel a deep connection to our traditions. I dream of representing Assam at the national level and making my community proud.”

The dedication and skill of these young archers have not gone unnoticed. Recently, a scouting team from the Assam Archery Association visited remote villages in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts, identifying promising talents and providing them with proper training equipment and coaching.

“We were amazed by the natural talent and passion these youth have for archery,” said Suresh Sharma, Secretary of the Assam Archery Association. “Our goal is to nurture their potential and prepare them for state-level competitions. With the right support, they could become future champions.”

The initiative has received support from local leaders and community elders, who see archery as a means to empower youth and preserve cultural heritage. Efforts are underway to establish more archery training centers in tribal areas and provide scholarships for promising athletes to attend coaching camps.

“We are proud of our young archers and their achievements,” said Bodo community leader, Keshav Basumatary. “Archery has always been a part of our identity. Now, with organized training and support, our youth have the opportunity to excel and bring recognition to our communities.”

In addition to sporting skills, archery has also instilled discipline and focus in these young athletes. Many of them balance rigorous practice sessions with their studies or traditional agricultural work, showcasing resilience and determination in pursuit of their dreams.

“I want to prove that with dedication and support, tribal youth like me can compete at the highest levels,” said 16-year-old Mala Baro from Kokrajhar. “Archery has taught me patience and perseverance. I hope to inspire other girls from my village to follow their passions.”

As these young archers continue to train and compete, there is optimism about their potential to represent Assam and India on the national stage. Their journey is not just about sporting success but also about resilience, cultural pride, and breaking barriers in Indian sports.