The foundation stone for a modern archery academy was recently laid at the Gholshapur Railway Colony in Kolkata by Eastern Railway (ER) General Manager Milind Deouskar. Gholshapur boasts a stadium, sports complex, and Olympic-size swimming pool, with the new academy seen as a key move to support sports and develop future champions.
Eastern Railway has a history of renowned archers like Dola Banerjee, Bombayla Devi, and Rahul Banerjee among its ranks. The academy aims to become a top-notch training center offering quality coaching and world-class facilities for railway employees, their families, and aspiring athletes. The ceremony, attended by various dignitaries and sports personalities, marked the beginning of a new era in ER’s pursuit of sporting excellence.
The General Manager highlighted the academy’s role in identifying and nurturing young sporting talent. He emphasized the academy’s potential to provide scientific coaching, modern facilities, and professional guidance to help archers excel at various levels of competition. Archery, he noted, not only fosters competitiveness but also enhances mental and physical well-being, making it an ideal sport for individuals of all ages.
Arjuna Awardee Mangal Singh Champia and Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee Ali Qamar graced the foundation stone laying event, inspiring future generations of athletes. The Archery Academy signifies ER’s ongoing commitment to promoting sports for youth empowerment and overall development. With its advanced infrastructure and expert coaching, the academy aims to empower aspiring archers and encourage broader sports participation within the railway community and beyond.
