The 42nd NTPC Sub-Junior National Archery Championship 2025 opened to an impressive start on Sunday at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. The week-long national tournament, which has drawn 46 teams from 28 states and one Union Territory, marks one of the largest gatherings of young archery talent in the country this year. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu formally inaugurated the championship in the presence of key sports leaders, including Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) Chairman John Neelam, Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) Chairman and Arunachal Olympic Association President Er. Taba Tedir, among other senior officials and guests.
The championship aims not only to identify emerging athletes but also to reinforce discipline, focus and sporting excellence among the country’s youngest archers. Organisers said the event celebrates India’s long archery traditions while bringing together young sportspersons from diverse backgrounds, strengthening unity through competition. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khandu reiterated the state government’s long-term vision to build a robust sporting ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh. He announced plans to establish a modern archery stadium in Itanagar and another specialised facility in Tawang, a region known for its cultural connection to the sport. Khandu praised the Arunachal Archery Association, led by President Tadar Niglar, along with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, for successfully hosting a championship of national relevance.
The tournament features events across recurve, compound and Indian round categories, with matches scheduled to run until November 30. Teams from across the Northeast, including Meghalaya, are competing in multiple divisions.
