The Indian Open Indoor Archery Tournament organised by DRB Sports Foundation, was a resounding success, marking a milestone in the city’s sporting calendar. Held at the sprawling and brand-new venue of Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre in Rajahat, the event brought together archers across various age groups and skill levels, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in the region. Participants were thrilled to compete in such a prestigious and new setting. The meticulously designed layout of the indoor stadium provided the perfect backdrop for an exciting competition.
Athletes revelled in the tense atmosphere with arrows flying through the air with precision and grace, captivating spectators with each shot. The camaraderie among participants was palpable, as they cheered each other on and celebrated every bullseye hit. Beyond the thrill of competition, the tournament fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship, with participants learning new skills and exchanging tips and techniques. As the event came to an end, a sense of accomplishment was seen on every face, epitomising the spirit of sportsmanship.
Ankita Bhakat bagged the first position in the Recurve women’s category
(L-R) Dola Banerjee, Vineet Goyal, commissioner of Kolkata Police, Atanu Das and Rahul Banerjee. Das received the first prize in the Recurve men’s category. “I’m feeling very satisfied but still there’s more room for improvement. The venue was just perfect and I think this indoor archery tournament was the first event in this venue and I really enjoyed playing here. I hope these kind of tournaments are held more often to glorify this wonderful sport,” said Atanu.
“Our vision was to bring archery into the spotlight in Calcutta, and with this inaugural indoor tournament, we’ve taken a significant step forward. By providing a platform for archers to showcase their skills in a new setting, we are trying to foster a culture of excellence and innovation in the archery community. Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre served us right with our indoor archery vision. DRB’s initiative in organising Calcutta’s first indoor archery tournament not only showcased the city’s growing interest in the sport but also provided a platform for athletes to excel and bond over their shared passion,” said archer siblings Rahul and Dola Banerjee.