Hunt for gold: Young trio channel ancestral spirit into sporting glory

In 1857, Sree Nalavadi Venkattapa Naik led the princely state of Surapura (Shorapur) in the rebellion against the British, refusing to give away the kingdom of 130 villages. The stories of archers hunti n g d own their targets has become folklore in Devapura village which has inspired the trio of Annapurna Sangappa and Naveen Sangappa who are siblings, and Balabhim Bhimaraya, to make big steps in their journey towards success in archery. The trio had taken the 'Mini' O lympics by storm by dominating the Indian Archery category clinching six medals recently. The Mini Olympics was a week-long event conducted by the state’s Youth Empowerment and Sports Department across the city. The archery category has the bow and arrow fully made of wood, as compared to the Olympic standard of the recurve version.

What makes their achievement extraordinary is their upbringing and the obstacles they face. Their coach Monish Kumar, who currently practices archery, spoke on behalf of the kids near the 200 metre track of Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Born to landless farmers belonging to the Nayaka community, even buying the bow and arrow was not easy for them. “Thankfully we have a family who came forward to help us,” he said, adding that a bow and arrow set costs around Rs 20,000. When asked about government support, Kumar explained how a letter to the local MLA Raja Venugopal Naik requesting for support didn’t get any response. “They are talented kids.

We urge the government to support them and their families,” Kumar added. Their achievement showcases the beauty of sport - the idea of channeling their ancestral spirit into sporting glory is something that needs to be further cherished and fostered by key institutions. “With their talent they can make the switch to the recurve category. It is only a matter of time,” Kumar concluded.