Governor Draupadi Murmu on Monday inaugurated the Seventh All India Archery Championship at Jharkhand Armed Police-1 ground amidst colourful cultural programme.
Over 350 archers including 247 males and 104 females from state police forces and the para-military forces across country are participating in the event.
In the shooting competition held at Eklavya Archery Excellence Centre at Khelgaon in the inaugural day Monali Yadhav of Maharashtra scored 341 out of 360 to secure the top position in 50 meters compound in girl’s event.
In men’s competition Balji Yadav of Indo-Tibetan Border Police came first in the 90 meters recurve while Basant Kumar of Central Reserve Police Force finished on the top in the 70 meters recurve.
The organizers informed that 281 participants took part in different competitions including 90 meters recurve, 70 meter recurve and 50 meters compound competition on the first day. Speaking as chief guest on the occasion Governor Draupadi Murmu said “It is an honor for the state to host the event adding Jharkhand had also organised the competition in 2012 and 2016. All participants should display their best skills and make the event successful”. She added several players from Jharkhand including Jhano Handsa have made a mark for themselves in international level in archery.
She praised the participants saying that it is a tough task to take time out from the busy law and order duties and play different sports.
She said apart from sports, the police department should also organise target-oriented competition adding it would lead to development of physique, mind and character of its personnel. “It will also create a disciplinary environment and prepares the personnel to face adverse situations,” she said.
The governor opined that all district headquarters must have modern facilities like gym to enable personnel across the state remain physically and mentally fit. The director general of police DK Pandey, DG BB Pradhan, DG Neeraj Sinha and other senior police officials were present on the occasion. The competition would conclude on January 19.