Kendrapara, Jan. 17: Tribal girls showcased their archery skills at a festival in a far-flung coastal village here prompting district sports authorities to consider training them to hone their intrinsic talents.

Hundreds of onlookers appreciated the girls' performance. The archery display was held during the annual cultural event in the predominantly tribal-inhabited Lunimathia village under Mahakalpada tehsil.

"The girls performed commendably by hitting the target. They are talented and we need to train them so that they can take part in archery events and excel in the game. The department will seek the services of a coach to sharpen their archery skills," said district sport officer Loknath Panigrahi.

"The archery sport was organised during Sarhul puja yesterday. We worship Mother Earth during this annual festival," said head of the community Prasan Murmu.

"Both the boys and girls are good at archery. If they are trained properly, they could go places," said Bijoy Shukla, former sarpanch. He said these tribal people had migrated to Mahakalpada during the 1960s in search of livelihood. From there, they came and settled here at the Lunimathia hamlet. The settlers here have emerged as the major work force of Paradip and Kendrapara.

"The archery skills of the girls were breathtaking to watch. I was amazed at their accuracy," said Pratap Samal, who came to watch the event.

"We are originally from Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj districts. Our ancestors were great shooters and were adept in animal hunting. Archery is in our blood," said Mahendra Murmu, a member of the community.