Jharkhand stamped its authority on Saturday, the opening day of the 64th National School Game Archery Tournament for Under-17 boys and girls, at mega sports complex in Ranchi, winning eight of 15 medals.

Around 500 archers in 33 teams from across the country are showcasing their skills at the four-day event, which is being organised by the state art, culture, sports and youth affairs department under the banner of School Game Federation of India (SGFI).

The championship was inaugurated by state sports minister Amar Kumar Bauri who later handed over medals to winners.

Jharkhand won eight medals — two gold, as many silver and four bronze — in the Indian round (shooting with traditional bow and arrow). Behind Jharkhand was Uttar Pradesh with four medals.

The host state’s Nikita Kumari claimed yellow metal in the overall girls’ section before winning silver in 40m and 30m shooting. Her state mate Rajni Kiran won gold in the 40m distance and a bronze in the overall girls’ category.

Jharkhand bagged bronze medals, thanks to Krishna Pingua (overall boys’ section and 30m distance) and Reena Kumari (girls’ 30m distance).

UP archer Monu Kumar took home gold in the overall boys’ and 40m shooting while Badrinath Meena from Rajasthan bagged the yellow metal in boys’ 30m shooting. Sulochna Kumari from Chhattisgarh won 30m shooting for girls.