Chero Archers: Celebrating Sporting Ambition with Ancestral Valour

D B Sundara Ramam

One of the most iconic cultural imageries of India is Krishna revealing the Bhagavad Gita – the Song of God – to a despondent Arjun, exhorting him to see the indestructibility and immeasurability of the soul, give up remorse and pick up his bow and arrow, as the armies of Kauravas and Pandavas faced each other in Kurukshetra. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, exiled to the forest, with nothing but their bow and arrows as possessions, conquer the evil incarnate. From the mythological immovable bow of Lord Shiva to the Indus Valley seals depicting archer deities, the folklore and history of archery are interwoven with the story of India.

Fast forward to a different, yet equally compelling, chapter of history. Located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, on the banks of the serene Auranga River, stand the majestic ruins of the Palamau Fort. This historical landmark offers a tangible link to a rich past, diverging from folklore to recount the formidable history of the Chero tribals. These indigenous people were renowned for their exceptional prowess with bows and arrows, their martial skills serving as a shield against invaders. Their indomitable grit and courage shone brightly in their brave resistance against both the mighty Mughal Empire and the encroaching British colonial forces. The Cheros, with their mastery of archery, carved out a legacy of valour and independence, their spirit echoing through the landscapes of Jharkhand.

Centuries later, India continues to proudly boast a plethora of incredibly skilled archers who have brought immense laurels and global recognition to the country. This tradition of excellence, deeply rooted in history and mythology, continues to thrive. A key player in nurturing this modern-day archery talent is Tata Steel, which has consistently upheld its tradition of bringing sports to the forefront, empowering athletes, and promoting sporting excellence. The recent launch of the Archery Premier League (APL) marks yet another significant milestone in this journey. In a beautiful homage to the legends of the past, Jharkhand’s very own Archery team in the APL proudly bears the name “Chero Archers,” directly linking contemporary sporting ambition with ancestral valour.

The Tata Archery Academy (TAA), established by Tata Steel in October 1996, has been a beacon for nurturing talent for almost three decades. TAA pioneered a new model for archery training in India. As a residential centre of excellence, its core mission was to scientifically train archers for national and international competition, particularly focusing on nurturing the rich, inherent talent within the tribal communities of the Jharkhand-Odisha belt.

Open to both girls and boys, TAA has developed a comprehensive ecosystem. This network begins at the grassroots level, extending through feeder, satellite, and training centres across all Tata Steel operational areas, including remote mining locations like Jamadoba, West Bokaro, and Noamundi. This strategic reach aims to cultivate a vast talent pool while simultaneously uplifting local communities.

Cadets at TAA benefit from world-class infrastructure, expert coaches, and a dedicated support team comprising strength and conditioning specialists, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and masseurs. Equipped with the finest gear, young archers also gain access to crucial professional opportunities through the Academy’s collaborations with state and national sporting bodies.

The dedication and rigorous training provided by TAA have propelled its athletes to win numerous medals at major international events, including a prestigious bronze at the Asian Games held in 2023, won by a team comprising TAA cadets Ankita Bhakat and Bhajan Kaur. Ankita Bhakat made history yet again by reaching the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, showcasing the Academy’s ongoing success and impact. Since its inception, TAA has produced an astonishing array of champions, including an impressive nine Olympians, three Dronacharya awardees, one Lifetime Dronacharya awardee, and over 150 international archers. Tata Steel’s strategic foray into the Archery Premier League is, thus, a natural progression, further solidifying its commitment to promoting and elevating the sport of archery.

The Chero Archers team is proud of its illustrious squad, which includes global talents such as Mathias Fullerton of Denmark, currently the World No. 1 in Compound Archery, bringing unparalleled expertise to the team. India’s own Olympian and ex-TAA athlete, Atanu Das and Katharina Bauer, World No. 9 in Recurve Archery, join a strong contingent of Indian archers: Rahul (Recurve Archery), Prithika Pradeep (Compound Archery), Madala Hamsini (Compound Archery), Sahil Rajesh (Compound Archery), and Kumkum Mohod (Recurve Archery). They are set to compete against equally strong teams like the Prithviraaj Yodhas, Kakatiya Knights, Mighty Marathas, Rajputana Royals, and Chola Chiefs in the inaugural edition of the Archery Premier League, which is slated to take place from October 2 to 12. This league promises to be a thrilling spectacle, uniting the ancient art of archery with modern sporting fervour, all under the inspiring banner of tradition and excellence.

(Author is Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel. Views are personal.)