‘There is no doubt that she, a former Asian Grand prix gold medalist, deserved the award for her outstanding contribution to promotion and winning medal at international meets for years. We are extremely happy and feel proud of her’, said Murthy, Secretary, Jharkhand Archery Association.
His comment is symptomatic of a general opinion of sports persons on Purnima Mahato who was conferred with the Dronacharya Award.
Dronacharya Award is the ultimate recognition awarded by the country in sports to coaches.Purnima,Tata Steel Employee and Senior Coach at Tata Archery Academy, had received it her excellence in coaching and raising the standards of archery in India.
An accomplished archer, Purnima Mahato won a gold medal (Team) in the International Archery Championship held at Bangkok in 1993. She has several other National and International achievements to her credit. She joined Tata Steel in 1994 and has been coaching the cadets of Tata Archery Academy ever since.
Purnima Mahato has been one of the most successful coaches in guiding Indian Archery teams in the International arena. In 2005, she accompanied the Indian Archery team to Spain for the 43rd Senior World Outdoor Archery Championship where India won a Silver medal.
She was the coach of the Indian team which won a Gold medal for the boy’s event and a Bronze Medal for the girl’s at the Senior Asian Archery Championship held in China in 2007. Her some latest achievements as a coach includes – 2012 Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship, Bangkok – Girls Team SILVER; 2012 World Cup Stage 2, ANTALYA – Deepika Kumari GOLD; 2012 Olympic Games London – Participated.
Having received the award,Purnima was feeling proud. ‘It is indeed a great honor for me to have received this recognition. This award will further encourage me to work towards contributing in the area of sports. I would like to thank Tata Steel and Tata Archery Academy for their continued support,’she said.
