Dronacharya awardee Purnima Mahto, who has mentored many ace archers, has now been entrusted with the responsibility of streamlining the activities of Jharkhand’s biggest medal-spinning sport.

The 41-year-old mentor was appointed as the working secretary of Jharkhand Archery Association (JAA) on January 30 as her predecessor Ritu Raj Sinha, who is also the chief of corporate services in Tata Steel, was unable to oversee the archery body. 

Purnima, a former national champion, was tipped to be the secretary in the run-up to the JAA elections in 2015 but Sinha was eventually elected for the post. Purnima then became the assistant secretary.

Now, Purnima, who won the Dronacharya award in 2013, will be involved in day-to-day functioning of the JAA, whereas policy decisions will mostly rest on the president and secretary with due consultations with the affiliated district units.
Purnima, one of the mentors of ace archer and Olympian Deepika Kumari, already has her hands full. 

Besides being an employee of Tata sports wing, she is also a mentor of Tata archery cradle. Purnima is also actively involved in talent search programme of Tata Steel Rural Development Society that conducts archery events in the hinterland.

Moreover, she is also the coach of the national women’s archery outfit.

But, she welcomed her new responsibility. 

“Yes, I am aware of my new duties. I have devoted my life to archery and I will do my best to run the affairs of the association to the best of my ability,” said Purnima. 

“We thought she will be perfect as working secretary. She is experienced and belongs to Jamshedpur from where archery is managed,” a senior JAA office bearer said.

Another JAA office bearer revealed Purnima has high chances to be eventually elected as the secretary in the coming years. 

“Purnima has a wide experience as a coach and has been involved in running archery affairs for long. She may eventually be selected as the JAA secretary,” he added.