Whizzing arrows will continue to compliment the consistent winds of JRD Tata Sports Complex.
The sprawling game grounds in Jamshedpur has pipped its rivals in Calcutta and Delhi to win favour with the Archery Association of India, which has already extended an ongoing national training camp by a month and mentors are hopeful of furthering that target to March 2016.
National coach Dharmendra Tiwary said the camp began at the JRD complex on August 20 and was scheduled till October 6 after which the archery association had plans to shift it to either Salt Lake Stadium in Calcutta or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
"But, the apex outfit decided to continue in Jamshedpur, which has its advantages when it comes to hosting national camps. The archery ground at JRD complex allows unhindered wind flow. Archers are required to train in open ranges because wind plays a key role in competitions abroad," Tiwary told The Telegraph.
The coach maintained that, in all likelihood, the camp might be extended further. "As of now, the training will continue till November 6, but the association may stretch it till March. I am very optimistic."
Listing other factors that worked in Jamshedpur's favour, Tiwary said the food served to archers and mentors was excellent at JRD complex. "At Salt Lake Stadium, breakfast comprises of just bread and boiled eggs. Lunch and dinner too are not up to the mark. Here (in Jamshedpur), we get a lavish spread of North Indian/South Indian and vegetarian/non-vegetarian food for all meals. To top it all, dry fruits and juice are always available."
JRD complex accommodation and logistics also get A-plus.
"The sports hostel, situated right beside the archery range, offers AC rooms. Though accommodation isn't a huge problem in Calcutta and Delhi, food certainly is. Also, the venues in these metros are surrounded by high buildings that hinder the wind flow. A national camp is aimed at preparing our archers for international competitions, including the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Wind-related shortcomings cannot be taken lightly," the experienced mentor explained.
Insiders revealed that ace archers like Deepika Kumari, Jayanta Talukdar and Mangal Singh Champia had met Union minister of state for sports Sarbananda Sonowal in Delhi last month, seeking Jamshedpur's elevation to a regular venue for national camps.
"The archery range here is perhaps the best in the country. It is airy unlike other congested venues; the ambience helps us concentrate; facilities like swimming pool and gym are nearby; and hospitality is too good. All these together keep archers in good stead. They enjoy their stint here," said Talukdar, a veteran with the bow and arrow.
Speaking to The Telegraph from Delhi, former technical director of Tata Archery Academy V.V.S.N. Rao echoed Tiwary and Talukdar. "The Salt Lake Stadium pool, which is close to the shooting range, is surrounded by galleries. This affects the wind flow. Similarly, a hostel stands tall beside the range in Delhi. Food is a big problem in Calcutta and just about okay in Delhi," he said.
Besides the three top-bracket archers, Laxmi Rani Majhi, Rimil Biruily, L. Bombayala Devi, Reena Kumari, N. Lavanya, B Pranitha, Satbir Kaur, Rahul Banerjee, Kapil, Vakil Raj, Bulbul Marandi and Atul Kumar are also participating in the JRD Tata camp.
Currently, they are in Sonipat, Haryana, for the National Ranking Archery Tournament, beginning Thursday.
