Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Separate playground for archers sought

VIJAYAWADA: Krishna District Archery Association president Ch. Satyanarayana on Saturday said Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner P.S. Pradyumna had reacted positively to a plea made by the association for a separate playground in the city limits to enable archers to practise without hindrance.

Speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Satyanarayana said that the Commissioner had advised the city planner to explore the possibility of allotment of an open space for the archery association. “We have submitted a memorandum to the VMC Commissioner and also to two MLAs, the MP and floor leaders in the corporation general body, highlighting the plight of the archers,” he pointed out.

Mr. Satyanarayana said the District Sports Development Officer had identified some places, such as Payakapuram, Bhavanipuram and Autonagar, which could be suitable for archery.

The association also requested the Commissioner to appoint a coach to impart training to budding archers. “Other sports and games are having coaches appointed by the corporation, and archery deserves a coach as the district has produced many internationals, including Mangal Singh Champia, who reached the pre-quarterfinals in the Beijing Olympics,” he argued.

The association also requested the Commissioner for installation of a statue of Arjuna holding the mythological ‘paasupathastram’, as it would inspire many youngsters to take up the sport. “According to mythology, it was atop Indrakeeladri that Arjuna received the divine weapon from Lord Shiva. As Vijayawada has emerged as a city that produced many world class archers, it would be fitting to have a statue of Arjuna,” Mr. Satyanarayana said.

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