Kolkata: The foundation stone for a state-of-the-art archery academy was laid at the Gholshapur Railway Colony in Kolkata by Eastern Railway (ER) General Manager Milind Deouskar on Saturday.
Gholshapur also has a stadium, a sports complex and an Olympic-size swimming pool. The archery academy is being considered a significant step towards promoting sports and nurturing future champions.
ER has had many famous archers, including Arjuna Awardee Dola Banerjee, Padma Shree Bombayla Devi and Rahul Banerjee as its employees. The academy will emerge as a modern training centre that will provide quality coaching and world-class infrastructure for railway employees, their families and budding sportspersons.
The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Devender Kumar, President, Eastern Railway Sports Association (ERSA) and Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, the Secretary of ERSA, Principal Heads of Departments, senior railway officers, renowned coaches, distinguished sportspersons and members of the railway sports fraternity.
The ceremony commenced with the unveiling of the foundation stone and the academy’s name plaque, followed by a traditional coconut-breaking ceremony symbolising an auspicious beginning. Deouskar also took the ceremonial first shot, marking the launch of a new chapter in ER’s journey towards sporting excellence.
Addressing the gathering, the General Manager said the academy reflects Eastern Railway’s commitment to identifying and nurturing sporting talent from an early age. He expressed confidence that it would emerge as a centre of excellence, providing scientific coaching, modern practice facilities and professional guidance to help promising archers compete successfully at district, state, national and international levels.
Deouskar noted that archery is much more than a competitive sport. It develops concentration, discipline, patience and self-confidence while improving physical fitness, balance, coordination and mental well-being. He added that as a safe, inclusive and non-contact sport suitable for people of all ages, archery encourages healthy lifestyles, emotional resilience and strong character, making it an ideal sport for children and young adults.
Arjuna Awardee Mangal Singh Champia and Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee Ali Qamar, whose achievements continue to inspire generations of aspiring sportspersons, were also present during the foundation stone laying ceremony.
Shibram Majhi, CPRO, ER, said the Archery Academy represents another milestone in ER’s sustained efforts to promote sports as an instrument of youth empowerment and holistic development. He added that equipped with modern infrastructure and expert coaching, the academy will provide a structured platform for aspiring archers to realise their full potential while encouraging greater participation in sports among railway employees, their families and the local community.
“Through initiatives such as the Archery Academy, ER continues to reaffirm its commitment to building a healthier, more vibrant and sports-oriented society by investing in talent, encouraging excellence and creating opportunities for future champions,” Majhi said.
(IANS)
