Parliament Question: Promotion of Archery Sport

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 Promotion of Archery Sport 1325. SHRI T R BAALU: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the Government is not accorded due priority to the promotion and development of Archery despite its eminence for centuries; (b) if so, the details of the measures taken by the Government to promote this ancient sport, during the last five years and the current year; (c) whether the Government proposes to declare Archery as the National Game of India in view of its historic significant and epic fame and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government has taken any strategy to win top position in International Olympic Games, 2036 proposed to be hosted by India? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA] (a) & (b) Promotion and development of a specific sport discipline is the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federation (NSF), which in the case of archery is the Archery Association of India (AAI). The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), supplements the efforts of AAI through various schemes Page 1 of 3for identification, nurturing and development of talented sportspersons, across different age groups. These schemes include: i. Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federation; ii. Khelo India Scheme; iii. National Centres of Excellence (NCOE); iv. SAI Training Centres (STC); v. Extension Centres of STC; and vi. National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC), including its sub-schemes. Archery has been categorized as “High Priority” for the purpose of funding under the scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federation. It is also one of the recognized disciplines under SAI’s Sports Promotional Schemes. Athletes selected under the schemes are provided support in accordance with the approved scheme norms, including boarding and lodging, coaching by qualified coaches, sports science and medical support, sports equipment, training infrastructure, field-of-play facilities, education, competition exposure and other allied facilities, as per the approved scheme norms. Under the Khelo India Scheme, archery has been identified as one of the priority sports. Further, in addition to being one of the disciplines supported under the Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, across 34 States/UTs, a total of 55 Khelo India Centres and 21 Khelo India Accredited Academies have been notified across the country in the discipline of archery. Furthermore, since 2022, under the Sports for Women (SFW) vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, women's participation in Asian Games and Olympic disciplines has been promoted. As part of this initiative, a total of 124 archery leagues have been conducted across 15 States. (c) No, sir. At present, no such proposal is under consideration. (d) Preparation for International events including for Olympic Games 2036 is an ongoing and continuous process. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, National Sports Federations (NSFs) and Sports Page 2 of 3Authority of India (SAI) are working in close coordination for training and preparation of Indian teams and sportspersons for the forthcoming international sports events including Olympic Games 2036. Training plans, competitive exposures and scientific back up and support have been devised in consultation with NSFs and sports experts. The Government is providing all requisite support and facilities to the athletes to enable them to put up their best in the forthcoming international sports events including Olympic Games 2036. Customized training as per the requirements of individual athletes is also being provided under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). ***** Page 3 of 3