MARGAO
The Independence Day Archery Competition 2025 was successfully conducted at Fr. Agnel Central School, Pilar, under the organisation of Zito Archery Club, drawing participation from 32 young archers across multiple categories and distances.
In the 10-meter recurve bare bow category, Elvin George won first place in the boys’ division, while Arika Vasta claimed the top spot among girls. In the 15-meter recurve bare bow girls’ category, Samiksha Saharan emerged victorious.
The 20-meter recurve bow with sight events saw David Fernandes finish first in the boys’ division, followed by Dion Fernandes and Joshua Pereira in second and third places, respectively. In the girls’ division, Arusha Aglave secured first place, with Ananya Naik and Swara Narvekar finishing second and third.
At 30 meters, Marsha Naik took top honours in the girls’ recurve bow with sight category, followed by Sniti Gaonkar and Naisha Sanil. In the 40-meter girls' recurve bow with sight category, Bhagyajyoti Naik secured first place, with Sangel coming in second. Laximi Kerkar won the 40-meter Indian bow category for girls.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony. Rev. Fr. Jacob Shally, Principal of Fr. Agnel Central School, Pilar; and Mrs. Fransquinha Oliveira, Member Secretary of DFDC, were the chief guests. Other guests of honour included Usha Narvekar, Deepak Narvekar, and Celinda Serrao, who presented trophies and cash prizes to the winners.
Each first-place winner in the recurve bow with sight categories received a cash award of ₹5,000. The event was compered by Larisa Fernandes.
The tournament was supported and sponsored by Donald Fernandes, Johnson Dias, Usha Narvekar, Praveen George, Jowlex, and Jesban Da Costa, with additional backing from Street Provider, as part of its initiative to support India's quest for its first Olympic medal in archery.
