From Teer to target: Mim Bahadur Gurung leads Meghalaya’s archery push before National Games 2027

Mim Bahadur Gurung, who is overseeing the training of more than 70 archers from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Khelo India and state-run programmes. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Meghalaya, which loves its legalised traditional ‘Teer’ gambling but ironically has an insignificant presence in professional archery, has opted to use the opportunity of hosting next year’s National Games to promote the sport in a big way.

For the last one-and-a-half years, the state has invested well in spotting talent, providing them with equipment and planning to build an archery centre.

Former India coach Mim Bahadur Gurung has played an active role in helping the state upgrade its traditional hobby and encourage youngsters to take up the Olympic discipline.

“When I came here, there were just six targets and about 20 archers. Then we conducted a scouting in all 12 districts, including the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills. After six months of training, they started producing results in different domestic events,” Gurung, serving as Meghalaya’s chief coach, told Sportstar.

“In Teer gambling, archers shoot with rudimentary bows and arrows while sitting. It has been there for ages but is different from professional archery. Upgrading this culture and interest can bring us medals.”

Mim Bahadur Gurung said there is a plan to turn the Parade ground, the venue of the ongoing National championships here, into a dedicated archery centre. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Gurung, who is overseeing the training of more than 70 archers from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Khelo India and state-run programmes, thanked the Meghalaya government for its wholehearted support to the sport.

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“The equipment costs were in lakhs. The government provided imported equipment to all the recurve and compound archers, apart from those who train with Indian bows. The total cost of the equipment was ₹4.5 crore.”

He said there is a plan to turn the Parade ground, the venue of the ongoing National championships here, into a dedicated archery centre.

Gurung, hailing from Siliguri, is realistic about Meghalaya’s target in the National Games. “The level is quite high in India. If our archers show improvement, then that will be their achievement,” he said.