NTPC commits funds to grassroots and elite archery development
Hyderabad: In a farming family in Telangana, it began with a newspaper. When Chikitha was in Class 2, her father read about archery in its pages, introducing her to a sport that would become an integral part of her life. She began formal training in 2018 and, in 2025, became the first Indian woman to win the Under-21 individual title at the World Archery Youth Championships. At 21, she now stands on the shooting line alongside Jyothi Surekha Vennam.
Jyothi’s own journey began in a swimming pool. A young national-level swimmer, she was pursuing her sporting ambitions in the water until 2007, when her parents encouraged her to try archery, at a time when tournaments were few and opportunities limited. Nineteen years later, she stood on the podium at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, winning her fourth gold medal at the Games.
Her campaign also had a difficult moment. In the individual event, her opponent delivered a perfect score of 150, leaving Jyothi with no way back and ending her individual campaign.
Having joined the senior Indian team in 2011, Jyothi has witnessed the sport’s evolution. “When I started, the number of tournaments we participated in was very limited,” she recalls. Today, archers have more opportunities to compete at home and abroad, testing changes to their equipment and technique against strong opposition. For Jyothi, this reflects a collective effort to strengthen Indian archery.
A significant contributor to this effort has been NTPC, which has supported the sport through its corporate social responsibility programme since 2018. Its involvement extends beyond elite athletes to grassroots talent identification, coaching, equipment, scholarships, competitive exposure and training infrastructure. NTPC has committed ₹152.88 crore towards the development of Indian archery through the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Archery Association of India (AAI).
A separate agreement with the NSDF and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provided for a ₹150-crore commitment over five years towards the sport’s development. NTPC’s support for the AAI began in November 2018, with an initial commitment of ₹16.18 crore through 2025. The partnership was renewed in September 2025, with a further commitment of ₹24.20 crore over four years.
The NTPC-supported Dhanurvidya Project is central to this approach. It focuses on grassroots talent identification, academy development, coach training, scholarships, equipment and competitive exposure, including support for women and para-archers. Extended until March 2030, the programme provides a longer-term framework for nurturing athletes and strengthening the support systems around them.
Competitive exposure is another crucial part of this pathway. With NTPC’s support, around 53 national tournaments and championships have been organised, accounting for approximately 24,096 participant entries. Support for international participation has included kits and uniforms for Indian archers across 88 events, with around 1,145 athlete participations recorded. These opportunities help archers gain experience and prepare for the demands of international competition.
The investment also recognises that sporting potential is not confined to established training hubs. NTPC’s initiatives include support for a sports academy in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra; archery academies in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh in Odisha; archery centres in Raipur and Jashpur in Chhattisgarh; and the Archery Excellence Centre of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in Katra.
The next step is to expand access to structured training in Mizoram. On October 8, NTPC Bongaigaon signed a memorandum of agreement with the Mizoram State Sports Council to establish a proposed archery academy at Lengpui in Mamit district, committing ₹13.28 crore over three years.
The facility is intended to provide professional coaching, modern equipment and structured training for young athletes preparing for district-, state- and national-level competitions. It could also help aspiring archers from Mizoram and neighbouring areas access organised training closer to home.
For the AAI, sustained support is essential to building a stronger talent pipeline. “NTPC has been a committed partner in the development of Indian archery since 2018,” says Gunjan Abrol, Assistant Secretary of the Archery Association of India. He highlights the role of this support in identifying grassroots talent and widening access to structured training and competition.
The performances of archers such as Jyothi and Chikitha demonstrate what can happen when talent meets opportunity. They also underline why the work must continue beyond a single medal-winning campaign. Athletes need consistent coaching, reliable equipment, sports science, injury prevention and regular competition throughout their development.
India’s Asian Games success has brought archery into the spotlight, but sustaining that momentum will require continued investment at every level. NTPC’s contribution highlights the value of long-term support in turning talent into opportunity and building pathways to elite competition. The next step is to widen the pool of aspiring archers and strengthen the system that produces champions, rather than simply celebrating them.
Arjun Munda, President of the Archery Association of India, said, “Archery is not merely a sport; it is an integral part of India’s rich traditions and glorious heritage. By winning five gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Games, our archers have made the nation immensely proud on the international stage. This historic achievement is a testament to the dedication, relentless hard work and determination of our athletes, coupled with the exceptional guidance of their coaches.
“The continued partnership and support of the Government of India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and NTPC have played a significant role in elevating Indian archery’s stature on the global stage and making this golden journey possible. By providing world-class facilities, advanced training, and the right opportunities, they have empowered our athletes to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential.
“I am confident that this strong partnership will continue to propel Indian archery to greater heights, and our archers will keep the Tricolour flying high with the same pride and glory at international competitions in the years to come,” he said.