JOIN USWhat is common between ‘The Lord of The Rings’, ‘The Hunger Games’, animation movie ‘Brave’, ‘Baahubali’ and the old favourite ‘Ramayan’? Before you start thinking along the lines of ‘the triumph of good over evil’ or something equally ostentatious, no, the answer is much simpler. Archery! This practice, which has been around ever since our Paleolithic ancestors figured that they needed to keep some distance between them and their moving, four-legged dinner options, has been an important part of history and mythology, especially in India. But with advancements in technology and weaponry, this skill took a backseat. But since nothing good can stay hidden for ever, archery is making a comeback and that too, with a bang.
“We have seen a lot of interest for the workshops we conduct on archery,” says Regan Rodricks, co-founder of Blue Bulb, an online activity marketplace. “Rather than regular classes, these workshops are meant for people who have never held a bow or arrow in their lives, and the response has been great. Young adults make up the bulk of the learners because they are increasingly looking to try out newer things. Parents are also enthusiastic about getting their children to try out this sport now,” he says.
Asked about the reasons for the spurt in popularity of this game, Regan explains, “As Indians, we have always associated sports with either cricket or football. But they are team sports; you need to find players, a huge ground and so on. Archery, on the other hand, is something you can play with yourself. You are competing against yourself, against your last best score. Also, this game improves your flexibility, focus as well as your core strength — something that people are now recognising.”
Padmini Ramesh agrees. Her daughter, Keerthana, took up the bow and arrow when she was around 7 years old. Today, the youngster is a veteran, after having participated in district, state and national level tournaments. “She was introduced to this sport while attending an overall development class in Mumbai, where we were settled earlier,” says Padmini. “Keerthana became very passionate and went on to win medals in tournaments conducted there. After we came to Bengaluru, I asked her to give us a few weeks to find a suitable coach but we landed in Kanteerava Stadium within 12 days because she just couldn’t wait,” Padmini adds with a smile.
But not everyone displays the same level of dedication, says Anil Kumar, an archery instructor who has been teaching for around three years. “Nowadays, many children are not very interested in sports and even some parents are not very enthusiastic about getting their children to the ground; they would rather have them sit at home and study or play video games,” he rues. “If schools encouraged the growth of different kinds of sports, then we would have so many talented players from this country.”
Bearing testimony to his statement is the fact that Anil has been able to hone many a state and national level (junior and senior) archer from three Navodaya schools in and around Bengaluru; these schools introduced archery in their curriculum years ago. “This sport requires nothing other than interest and dedication. I have students in the age group of 7-45 years. In fact, some of the most eager students come from the corporate crowd. They tell me that they didn’t have the family or monetary support to pursue this interest when they were younger but now they are determined to follow their passion,” says Anil.
A good support system is what makes the difference between an average and an exceptional athlete, adds Padmini. “We have always encouraged Keerthana to follow her interest in this field. Now she is saying that she does not want to take up Science after her class 10 exams as it will leave her with very little time to practice on the field,” she says. “We respect her decision. More than that, it is the pure happiness on her face when she picks up a bow that made us agree to this,” Padmini adds with a fond laugh.