Bokaro: Vedanta ESL Archery Academy played host to the highly anticipated annual inter-centre archery competition, the Vedanta Challenge Trophy, which witnessed the participation of an impressive 92 archers hailing from five prominent Archery Academies in the Bokaro and Dhanbad Districts.
This yearly event serves as a prominent platform for archers from various academies to showcase their exceptional talents. The participating Archery Academies this year included the SAIL Day Boarding Archery Center (Bokaro), Chandankiyari Day Boarding Archery Center, Dhanbad District Archery Center, Anjala Archery Center (Bokaro), and Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, Siyaljori.
ESL Steel Limited, a Vedanta Group Company and one of India’s leading integrated steel producers, has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment and support for community growth and all-round development. In line with its dedication to fostering sportsmanship and competition within the community, ESL Steel Limited established the prestigious Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, informed a Public Relations official of ESL.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Lambodar Mahato, MLA from Gomia and President of Bokaro District Archery Association; Ajay Singh, Senior Vice President of Bokaro District Archery Association; Anjala Singh, Secretary of Bokaro District Archery Association; and M. D. Khasim, Pioneer Archer of Jharkhand.
Khirod Kumar Barik, Deputy CHRO at ESL Steel Limited, addressed the audience during the tournament, stating, “We at ESL Steel Limited believe that such competitions promote the spirit of sportsmanship and provide archers with invaluable experience gained through participation in competitive tournaments.”
He added that, “Competing against archers from other academies allowed participants to witness unique strategies and tactics seldom encountered during practice sessions.” Barik highlighted the significance of these events in encouraging healthy competition, fueling the desire for excellence, and celebrating the spirit of sports.
Approximately 200 spectators, including local residents, coaches, parents, stakeholders, and ESL employees, fervently cheered on the participants. The presence of Rafeek Ansari, Sarpanch of Chandaha during the Felicitation Ceremony, reflected the community’s deep involvement and trust in the positive impact the Academy has on its members.
Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Deputy Head of CSR at Vedanta ESL Steel Limited, was also present, and his substantial contributions to the event’s success received recognition and appreciation from guests, participants, and dignitaries.
In the Vedanta Challenge Trophy, which concluded in the evening with the Prize Distribution, Vedanta ESL Archery Academy claimed the top spot with a remarkable tally of 36 medals (13 Gold, 14 Silver, and 9 Bronze). Dhanbad Archery Academy secured the Runners-Up position with 12 medals (7 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze). The day featured competitions in various categories, including 10m Under 9 years, 20m and 30m Under 14 years, 30m and 40m Under 17 years, and 30m and 50m Under 21 years.
Notably, the Academy, situated within the Siyaljori ESL Steel Limited plant premises, was established to nurture Jharkhand’s rich legacy of archery. This initiative provides guidance, training, nutrition, and motivation to 50 young archers across all age groups, up to 21 years. Renowned professionals lead the academy, offering training under four categories: Under 9, Under 14, Under 17, and Under 21, with a vision to develop archery talent at grassroots levels.
