Renowned archery coach and former international archer Ms. Purnima Mahato from Jharkhand has been nationally recognized for her exceptional contributions to Indian sports, particularly in nurturing world-class talent in archery and promoting the sport across grassroots levels.
A celebrated figure in Indian archery, Ms. Mahato has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several top-tier archers, including Olympic medalist Deepika Kumari, and has earned the distinction of being one of the country’s most respected coaches.
A former international archer herself, Ms. Mahato transitioned into coaching with the same discipline and passion she showed on the field. Under her mentorship, India’s archery team has achieved significant milestones in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships.
Her accomplishments include:
- Serving as Chief Coach of the Indian women’s recurve team
- Producing multiple international medalists
- Developing coaching systems that blend traditional techniques with modern training methods
- Championing sports access for tribal and rural youth in Jharkhand
“Archery is about patience, focus, and believing in your shot. I see those qualities in every child from our villages,” Ms. Mahato has said, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
She continues to be a powerful role model for women in sports, breaking barriers and transforming local talent into national pride.
With this honour, Ms. Purnima Mahato stands tall as a pioneer in Indian archery, her legacy defined not just by medals, but by the dreams she has nurtured and the athletes she continues to inspire.
