Prakash Munda (cricket)

Prakash Munda is among the very few tribals who has been able to make their presence felt in cricket. The Ranchi-based Munda, a right-handed batsman, stroked his way to a classy 89 against Bengal in the recently concluded under-15 league tie of the Polly Umrigar Trophy.

He had been in the state under-15 squad for about two years and has announced his arrival after the fine innings against Bengal.

?I had butterflies in my stomach when I made it to state under-15 squad two years ago. I got into the team through hard work and determination,? the 13-year-old Munda said.

Sourav Dutta (archery)

A Class IX student of Jamshedpur Public School, Sourav Dutta, is a promising archer who is making fast strides in archery.

The 14-year-old, who started archery about a year ago, won the bronze in the recently concluded 26th National Sub-junior Archery Championship held in Ajmer.

?I garnered 273 points (out of 360) to bag the third slot. I could have performed better in that meet,? he said, adding that archery aids in enhancing concentration levels.

Pelong Deogam (athletics)

Pelong Deogam, a native of Kundubera village in West Singhbhum, is a middle and long-distance runner in the making.

The 13-year-old has been able to attract the attention of the coaches in the Tata Athletics Academy (TAA) through her talent. Deogam, who joined TAA in September this year, runs the 800, 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000-m.

?I am feeling good here. The facilities and the coaching are very good,? said the budding athlete.

Sweety Kumari (volleyball)

This young aspiring volleyball player has just enrolled herself at the Sports Authority of India-Special Area Games (SAI-SAG) centre, Ranchi, a few months ago.

The Class X player has been training rigorously under coach Jibesh Kumar Mazumdar and fast catching up on the sport.

Sweety intends to play as a lifter in the game, which involves setting the ball for the other players before smashing.?I want to be a lifter as the particular position comprises the heart of the game,? she added.

Ranjit Hembrom (archery)

Hembrom who is in Class X has learnt quite a bit of the tricks of the trade from his father, who was also an archer.

?I always wanted to be an archer and have been constantly encouraged by my father. He tells me to concentrate more on archery than my studies,? said Hembrom.

Lembo Purti (athletics)

Fourteen-year-old Purti started her career at a very tender age when she used to run to her village school.

She is currently training at the Sports Authority of India-Special Area Games (SAI-SAG) centre, Ranchi, and has set her goals very high and wants to become India?s top sprinter.

Munni Bhengra (hockey)

This girl from Torpa block in the Ranchi district surprised everybody including her brothers when she took up the hockey stick and displayed her skills.

She continued to play hockey at her school level after which she was spotted by hockey coach P.K. Mohanty. She has been doing well in the home circuit ever since.