Bengal gets major boost as modern archery academy comes up in Kolkata

When every city seems to be chasing the next cricket stadium, Kolkata has quietly chosen a different target, quite literally. Instead of another concrete spectacle, the city is investing in precision, patience and the promise of future champions.

Kolkata is set to add another landmark to its sporting map after the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art archery academy was laid at the Gholshapur Railway Colony on Saturday.

The facility, being developed by Eastern Railway (ER), is expected to serve as a modern training centre for aspiring archers, railway employees and their families.

The foundation stone was laid by Eastern Railway General Manager Milind Deouskar in the presence of Devender Kumar, President of the Eastern Railway Sports Association (ERSA) and Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, the association's secretary, principal heads of departments, senior railway officials, celebrated coaches and members of the railway sports fraternity.

The academy will come up at Gholshapur, which already houses a stadium, a sports complex and an Olympic-size swimming pool, further strengthening the area's sporting infrastructure.

Eastern Railway has a rich legacy in archery, with renowned names such as Arjuna Awardee Dola Banerjee, Padma Shri awardee Bombayla Devi and Rahul Banerjee having represented the organisation. Officials believe the new academy will provide scientific coaching, world-class infrastructure and professional guidance to help young archers progress from district competitions to the international stage.

The ceremony began with the unveiling of the foundation stone and the academy's name plaque, followed by the traditional coconut-breaking ritual. Deouskar also took the ceremonial first shot, marking the project's formal launch.

Speaking on the occasion, Deouskar said the academy reflects Eastern Railway's commitment to identifying sporting talent at an early stage and creating an environment where athletes can flourish.

He also highlighted that archery builds concentration, discipline, patience and self-confidence while improving physical fitness, balance, coordination and mental well-being.

Calling it a safe and inclusive sport suitable for all age groups, he said it encourages healthy lifestyles and emotional resilience.

Arjuna Awardee Mangal Singh Champia and Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee Ali Qamar were also present during the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi said the academy marks another step in the organisation's efforts to promote sports as a tool for youth empowerment and holistic development.

With modern infrastructure and expert coaching, the facility is expected to provide aspiring archers with a structured pathway to excel while encouraging greater participation in sports among railway employees, their families and the local community.