Archery needs more support: CWG medallists

"Given proper financial support and patronage as is done in cricket, archery can also inspire the youth to take it up," said CWG gold medallist Deepika Kumari, after receiving a cash award from Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda.

Olympian archer Jayanta Talukdar, Rahul Banerjee and Jhanu Hansda also received cash awards from the Chief Minister.

"Fresh talents should be spotted in villages and they need proper support to come up," Kumari said.

Agreed CWG gold medallist in the men's section, Rahul, who suggested there should be more tournaments to make the sport popular.

"We can have Indian Premier League-type tournaments in archery too to draw crowds," said Rahul, brother of international archer Dola Banerjee.

Asked about the crowds at the CWG archery events, he said, "It is an indicator for corporate sectors to come forward and support the game."

Bronze medallist Talukdar said, "We did not expect so much attention at the Games Village. That really warmed our hearts."

The archers also advocated for more academies and modern equipment, particularly in Jharkhand and West Bengal.