Sixteen girls and nine boys presently undergoing archery coaching at the Khelo India Centre for Archery at Puchesouh ground, Noklak. The coaching for under-14 and under-17 for boys and girls began in May 2022. The centre was inaugurated in the district on 11 November 2022 with the aim to provide an avenue to aspirant sports persons who wish to excel in the sport of archery.

The young archers reach the Centre at 5:00 am daily and practice till 7:00 am using the few basic archery kits (bow and arrow) and target boards of 20, 30 and 50 metres.

Songmao L is the competent archery instructor at Khelo India Centre, Noklak, having won at the State level on several occasions representing Tuensang district before Noklak district was formed. She also represented Noklak District in the Paralympic and Olympic Games 2022 as a coach.

Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, about the struggles being faced at the centre, Songmao said, “We really need a proper stadium because during rainy and windy days, it becomes difficult to practice.”

The instructor also said that she is very strict about accepting young boys and girls into the coaching centre. “We do not accept those who take tobacco and alcohol because we need sound mind and body,” she said.

“Despite every challenge, I coach them because I see their zeal to learn,” Songmao added.

Puthso (Top L), Mucham (Top R), Songmao L (Bottom L), Lamjong (Bottom R)

Lamjong, a boy in the U-17 category, is now able to shoot 50-metre distance. He says he will not stop the practice but strive more to reach the 70-metre distance.

“I want to reach the National level someday after learning from here,” the young archer said.

Lamjong represented the district in the Paralympic and Olympic games 2022 held at Kohima.

Mucham, who is at initial (20-metre) and Puthso on 30-metre said that the practice is going very well and someday wish to compete in a tournament. They are both in the U-14 category.

Two girls from the centre were selected by the Nagaland Archery Association last year in December to stay at Kohima State Hostel.

Given that the district has produced a number of promising and potential sportspersons from various disciplines in the recent years, a District Sports Office in Noklak district can truly serve to promote sports and allow sports aspirants to realise their dreams.

The U-14 and U-17 archery coaching at the Khelo India Centre for Archery at Puchesouh ground, Noklak