Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Jan 27: On the eve of Republic Day, the Central Government announced the Padma Awards, acknowledging outstanding contributions in various fields. Renowned archery coach Purnima Mahato from Jamshedpur was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri for her notable contributions in the field of archery. Prior to Purnima Mahato, veteran mountaineer Pramila Agarwal of Jamshedpur too had been conferred with the Padma Shri by the Indian government.
Upon receiving the news of being awarded the Padma Shri, Purnima Mahato expressed her gratitude and disbelief. She mentioned that she never imagined receiving such an honor and considered it beyond her wildest dreams. She received a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and initially, she found it hard to believe, but as the night progressed, the reality of being honored with the Padma Shri sank in.
Purnima Mahato has been a stalwart in the field of archery coaching for over a decade. She has not only produced excellent archers but has also been recognized for her outstanding contributions. In addition to the Padma Shri, Purnima Mahato has previously been honored with the Dronacharya Award for her significant role in coaching.
Expressing her joy and gratitude, Purnima Mahato thanked her family, Tata Steel, and all well-wishers whose support had played a crucial role in her journey to this prestigious milestone. She acknowledged the sacrifices and support of her father, late R.R. Mahato, who played a significant role in shaping her career. Purnima also thanked her late mother, Usha Rani, and her entire family for their unwavering support.
Purnima Mahato embarked on her coaching career in 2000 when she was appointed as the coach for Tata Archery Academy. Since then, she has coached the Indian and state archery teams, making significant contributions to the sport. Her coaching skills were recognized in 2013 when she was honored with the Dronacharya Award by the Government of India. Prior to that, she had received the Best Coach Award from FICCI in 2011.
Purnima Mahato, who has been involved in archery since the age of 11, has achieved numerous accolades as an archer herself. She won a silver medal in the 1998 National Games and became the Indian National Archery Champion. Over the years, she has participated in several national and international competitions, earning medals and setting records.
Purnima Mahato’s dedication and contribution to archery have made her a respected figure in the field, and the Padma Shri is a fitting recognition of her achievements and commitment.