Odisha’s young archers delivered a stellar performance at the 69th National School Games Under-17 Archery Championship, held from January 6 to January 10, 2026, in Ranchi. The state bagged a total of 10 medals—4 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze—and finished as the overall runners-up at the national-level competition. Maharashtra secured first place, while Jharkhand claimed the third position.

Odisha Team and Representation

The Odisha team was fielded by the Odisha State School Sports Association under the School and Mass Education Department. A total of 18 players—11 girls and 7 boys—represented the state. The team’s impressive showing is expected to inspire young sporting talent across Odisha and encourage aspiring athletes to achieve success at both national and international levels.

Star Performer: Rohit Kumar Marandi

Rohit Kumar Marandi, a Class X student of UGP Government High School, Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, emerged as Odisha’s top performer. Rohit clinched three gold medals in:

• 30-metre Indian Round

• 30-metre Olympic Round

• Mixed Team event

He also won one silver medal in the overall 30m and 20m category. His partner in the 30-metre Mixed Team gold medal event was Reshma Mallick of KISS School, Bhubaneswar.

Other Medal-Winning Archers

• Sunita Naik (Keonjhar) won a silver medal in the 60-metre Recurve Round and a bronze in the 60-metre Individual event.

• Sabitri Patro (Keonjhar), Tenish Meher (Sundargarh), and Pankhi Bhatra (Bhubaneswar) also secured silver medals in the 60-metre Recurve Round, contributing significantly to Odisha’s overall medal tally.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The remarkable performance of Odisha’s under-17 archers at the national championship is expected to motivate young athletes across the state to pursue archery and other sports with dedication and excellence. The state government and sports associations continue to encourage and support budding talent to achieve higher success at future national and international competitions.

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