Nagpur: Ojas Deotale, the young and unassuming Asian Games triple gold medallist in archery from Nagpur, displayed his characteristic modesty when he met with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In a heartfelt conversation, Ojas, India’s first world champion in the individual event of compound archery, hesitantly made a special request to Fadnavis, likening him to a respected parent.
“We respect you as we respect our parents. And as children make demands, can I ask you for a favor?” Ojas asked with boyish innocence.
Gold Rate
Saturday 01 Feb. 2025
Fadnavis, with a warm smile, responded, “You have made every Indian proud, and it is my duty to fulfill your demands.”
The meeting took place at the Deotale family’s residence in Ganesh Nagar, Nandanvan, and it was a moment of great honour for the archery champion. Also present were Aditi Swami, the youngest women’s world archery champion who won gold and bronze medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games, and their coach Pravin Sawant, who played a pivotal role in their success. Two of Sawant’s brightest proteges had recently become World Champions in Berlin.
During the 45-minute interaction, Fadnavis encouraged the young athletes to express their thoughts freely and without inhibition. Aditi took the opportunity to highlight the challenges they face. She said, “We became world champions with limited sub-par training facilities. It is our sincere request that we get international standard facilities here in Maharashtra. We go to the Olympics, where archery is played at the indoor stadium, but here we practice outdoors. Therefore, we request a decent facility where we can practice both indoors and outdoors.”
With District Collector Vipin Itankar, Nagpur Division Deputy Director of Sports Shekhar Patil, and DSO Pallavi Dhatrak also in attendance, Fadnavis sought input from them and assured the players that the infrastructure would soon see significant improvements at the Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.
Fadnavis promised, “Since the process of development is underway, I assure you that soon we will have world-class infrastructure in Maharashtra.”
Ojas, showing his vision and commitment to archery’s future, added, “Sir, we need a high-performance academy in Nagpur. If such an academy becomes a reality, then we won’t have to travel to different locations, and all competitive archers can practice together. Top coaches would be able to come together to guide and train us.”
In response, Fadnavis immediately instructed Patil to ensure the establishment of such an academy in Nagpur. He stated, “We will set up a high-performance academy in Nagpur. We will invite your coach so that he can provide his valuable insights.”
Ojas also requested Fadnavis to facilitate the transfer of his coach, Pravin Sawant, to the police sports department as a full-time staff member. Fadnavis, displaying his continued commitment to supporting athletes and sport in the region, took note of this request and promised to address it.
Tushar Shelke, from Amravati, who won bronze medals in recurve archery at the Asian Games, also had an opportunity to present his demands before Fadnavis, further underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting and enhancing sporting achievements in Maharashtra.
