Archery's history is rich and ancient, tracing back to early civilizations where it served as a crucial tool for hunting and warfare. The earliest bows, possibly originating in the late Paleolithic or early Mesolithic age, were primitive yet effective. Pinewood was commonly used for arrows due to its strength, with a design incorporating a fore shaft and a flint point.
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| young archers of Vijayawada Prasar Bharati Pariva |
Above image: In 2005 the archery first introduced to this city that too on a football field at IGMC stadium was moved over to a field at Gunadala with the support of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation in 2005. The credit goes to former India coach, the late Ch. Lenin, who founded a foundation for the academy. The Indian Railway's archer J. Rama Rao and his team of assistants, supported Satyanarayana. Volga Archery Academy has a pride place in Indian Archery.
Ancient Origins and Development
The earliest known bows are believed to come from Denmark, highlighting their significant age. In India, archery has deep roots, with references in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, illustrating the skill and valor of legendary archers.
Modern Archery and International Recognition
A significant milestone in modern archery was its inclusion in the Olympics in 1972 during the Munich Games. This event marked the sport's rise to international prominence. In 1973, the Archery Association of India (AAI) was established to promote archery as a competitive sport, moving beyond its traditional roots.
Vijayawada: A Hub for Archery
In recent years, Vijayawada, a city in Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as a notable center for archery. Since 2005, the city has produced numerous talented archers who have competed globally, winning over 250 international medals. Notable achievements include a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a bronze at the 2014 Asian Games, and multiple medals in World Cups and Asian championships.
The Volga Archery Academy in Vijayawada, led by Cherukuri Satyanarayana, has been pivotal in nurturing this talent. Despite their success, the academy has faced challenges, particularly a lack of adequate support and recognition from the Indian government.
Historical and Mythological Significance
Vijayawada's connection to archery is also steeped in mythology and history. It is believed that Arjuna, the famed archer from the Mahabharata, visited the region and acquired the powerful weapon Pushpastra from Lord Shiva. The city's name, derived from "Vijayavatika," signifies Arjuna's victory, reinforcing its legendary association with archery. Historical records also mention skilled archers from various dynasties in the region, such as Gautamiputra Yagna Sri Shatakarna of the Satavahana dynasty and Rudramma Devi of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite their achievements, the archers and the Volga Academy struggle with insufficient support from the Indian government. Satyanarayana has expressed disappointment over the lack of encouragement and recognition for their medal-winning efforts. Addressing these issues could further bolster archery's growth in India and enhance its global standing.
Source: https://www.navrangindia.in/2016/10/vijayawada-city-and-its-historical-link.html
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