NTPC: From Powering the Nation to Investing in India’s Archery Future
Transforming archers, once with wooden bows, to make country proud on international stage
From supplying electricity to the nation to nurturing its sporting talent, NTPC is expanding its contribution through sustained investment in Indian archery. NTPC Bongaigaon has committed ₹13.28 crore over three years to establish an archery academy at Lengpui in Mizoram’s Mamit district.
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Mizoram State Sports Council on October 8, 2026. The academy will provide professional coaching, modern equipment and structured training to young archers preparing for district, state and national competitions. The council will implement and maintain the facility, while NTPC Bongaigaon will provide financial assistance and monitor progress.
A Wider Commitment to Archery
NTPC’s support for Indian archery began in November 2018 through the Archery Association of India (AAI), with an initial commitment of ₹16.18 crore. The partnership was renewed in September 2025 for four years, with ₹24.20 crore committed.
Separately, the NTPC Dhanurvidya Project, launched through an agreement with the National Sports Development Fund and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2022, committed ₹115 crore over five years. Its implementation period has been extended to March 2030. The programme supports grassroots talent identification, academies, coach training, scholarships, equipment and competitive exposure, including opportunities for women and para archers.
According to programme figures, NTPC-supported initiatives have facilitated around 53 national tournaments and championships, with approximately 24,096 participant entries.
From Financial Struggles to the Podium
The importance of sustained support is reflected in the journeys of young Indian archers.
Kumkum Anil Mohod, 17, from Amravati, Maharashtra, began with a wooden bow costing ₹3,000. Her father, Anil Mohod, invested years of savings in her career, sold his cardboard-box business and continued funding her equipment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when she feared her arrows might break because her family could not afford replacements, he bought her arrows worth ₹15,000 and promised never to let her run out.
Her subsequent Asian Games success has brought national recognition.
Kirti Sharma, from Ritauli village in Haryana’s Jind district, began with a second-hand bow bought for ₹5,000 after coach Udyam Singh recognised her potential.
Later, her father, Vijay Sharma, borrowed ₹60,000 to buy her better equipment when she progressed to training under the Sports Authority of India.
Her journey underscores the role of coaches and family sacrifice in developing sporting talent.
Prithika Pradeep, 18, from Pimpri in Pune district, Maharashtra, discovered archery at school in Class 5 and began professional coaching the following year.
Training under coach Kunal Taware, she progressed from a school activity to competitive sport, supported by her parents alongside her education.
Their journeys differ, but all three demonstrate how talent needs encouragement, equipment, coaching and sustained opportunities to compete.
Building the Next Generation
NTPC’s Mizoram academy aims to strengthen access to organised archery training in the Northeast. The broader challenge will be to ensure that investment translates into functioning facilities, timely scholarships, trained coaches, sports science support and measurable athlete development.
For aspiring archers, access to the right equipment and coaching can make the difference between abandoning a promising pursuit and reaching the national stage. Through its archery initiatives, NTPC is seeking to make that pathway more accessible to the next generation of Indian athletes.
