The story of national-level archer Sulekha Singh (18) is that of any other sportsman in the state, who has talent but no government support.

A resident of Mahuda, 20km from Dhanbad district headquarters, Sulekha is out of practice for the past seven months, as she cannot afford a recurve bow, that costs around Rs 2 lakh. Sulekha and her family had run from pillar to post to arrange for funds, but received no help from any quarters so far.

Daughter of a roadside tea stall owner, Sulekha had joined Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya at Govindpur in November last year as a coach to train students on a daily wage of Rs 200 to support her family.

"I had requested state sports minister Amar Kumar Bauri to provide me with a bow about a month ago. He had assured me of help but I couldn't get the bow till now," said Sulekha.

Sulekha's father Bhola Singh had approached Baghmara MLA Dhullu Mahto and zila parishad member Santosh Mahto several times seeking help, but nothing materialised.

"I somehow manage to feed my wife, three sons and Sulekha. With an income of Rs 7,000, I cannot think of purchasing a recurve bow for my daughter," he rued.

Notably, Sulekha had represented India in individual as well as team events during the 2013 Archery world cadet championship held in China and helped Indian archery team to qualify for the 2014 Youth Olympic. She had also won several gold medals in various national championships.

Sulekha got her first training at Tata Steel Feeder Centre at Digwadih in 2009. She then went on to win four medals, including two silver and gold, in the Junior National Archery Championship held in Kharsawan from March 28 to 30, 2011, and got selected in Tata Archery Academy in Jamshedpur, where she practiced with ace archers such as Deepika Kumari. Her training period ended in October, 2015 and since then she is out of practice.

"Deepika didi helped me a lot. She provided a handle of the bow worth Rs 40,000. But I need Rs 2 lakh to buy a recurve bow," said Sulekha, who is eyeing a berth in the 2020 Olympics.

When contacted, MLA Dhullu Mahto said he would arrange for the bow at the earliest. "I am away from Baghmara, but when I will return back I will arrange for the bow," he said.

Minister Bauri was not available for comments.