The archers taking part on the penultimate day of the 4th Meghalaya Games 2022 had two extra pairs of eyes focused on their performances in the form of India coach Mim Bahadur Gurung and star national archer Atanu Das.
Das, who is a multiple World Cup, Asian Championships and World Championships archer, and his coach are in Shillong for the former’s preparations for upcoming tournaments.
They graciously consented to give away many of the medals of the Indian Round of archery events at the SAI Centre on the NEHU campus in the presence of Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing and Vice-President Bor Diengdoh.
Speaking later, President of the Archery Association of Meghalaya Matsiewdor War Nongbri said that their presence “will have given much motivation to our young archers”.
Although rain was a significant factor at today’s events, Das said that that should not be a problem for any archer.
“I’m very happy to be here. The view and the weather are wonderful. There are so many young talents coming up, I can see here, and they just need a few facilities from the government side and they will come up even further,” the 30-year-old double gold World Cup winner said.
Gurung, meanwhile, said that he enjoyed watching the archery today and added that Shillong is a place suited to the support.
On the reason for the pair being in Shillong, Das said, “As there is little pollution I can get peace of mind and upgrade it for future tournaments. I’m going to use this time fully.”
Going further, Gurung said that, in preparation for next year’s World Championships in Berlin, Das will be training here for up to two months as the higher altitude and weather conditions will help him better prepare himself.
