Ranchi: It was a proud moment for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Purushkar winner Savita Kumari when Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with her on Monday and appreciated her for her achievements in both international and national archery competitions.
A student of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Sonhatu in Ranchi district, Savita had won gold in the senior category of South Asian Archery competition in 2018 apart from winning several medals at the national level.
Speaking to TOI, she said, “It was inspiriting to talk to the Prime Minister. He encouraged me to practice hard and win a medal at the Olympics.”
Savita said she was enticed by archery when since she was in Class VIII after the Birsa Munda Archery Academy, Silli, held a demonstration in her school in 2016. After undergoing the skill test, she was admitted to the academy where she is training ever since.
She said her father, who has a modest earning as a security guard, encouraged her to take up the sport with dedication.
“I practice for eight hours daily. Besides, I also take private tuition as I have not been able to attend my classes in school. I have to perform well in Class XII examination scheduled later this year.”
Savita’s coach Sishir Mahato said, “She is hardworking and spend a lot of time practising in the field. Such dedication made her perform well in the competitions. She had won gold in South Asian competition held in Bangladesh in the senior category though her age was still in the sub-junior group.”