Former national-level archery medal winner Vijay Mehra is helping develop the next generation of archers in Almora. After retiring from the Army as a Subedar Major, Mehra joined the sports department and began training 15 players in the district.

His coaching combines technical archery instruction with the discipline and concentration he developed during his military career. The aim is to prepare young athletes for stronger performances at competitions and eventually help them reach national and international platforms.

From Army service to archery coaching

Mehra retired as a Subedar Major in 2024. Before retirement, he served for 2 years with the 77 UK NCC Battalion in Almora. During that period, he developed the idea of preparing archers from his home district.

His own experience as a national-level medal winner has given him a detailed understanding of archery techniques and competition requirements. He is now using that experience to improve the skills of local players and provide them with structured guidance.

Mehra was also awarded the Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card for outstanding service during his military career. He has brought lessons from that service into his coaching, including regular practice, discipline and focused preparation.

His training is designed to help players master the technical aspects of archery while also building the consistency required in competitions. Mehra believes that players from Almora can establish themselves at national and international levels if they receive proper training and guidance.

He credited District Magistrate Anshul Singh, District Sports Officer Maheshi Arya and other coaches for supporting the development of archery among young people in the district.

3 Almora players to compete in New Tehri

3 players trained by Mehra will represent Almora at the ninth Senior Uttarakhand State Archery Championship in New Tehri. Rajan Singh Fartyal, Priyanshu Tamta and Lakshya Bisht will compete in a state-level event for the first time.

Mehra said the 3 players are enthusiastic about taking part in the championship. He also expressed hope that their preparation would help them win medals and bring recognition to Almora.

Their participation gives the district’s emerging archers an opportunity to test their skills beyond local training. The competition will also provide their coach with a clearer assessment of how they perform at the state level.

Conclusion

Vijay Mehra is using his national archery experience and military discipline to train 15 players in Almora. 3 of them will make their state-level debut at the ninth Senior Uttarakhand State Archery Championship in New Tehri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is training the archers in Almora?

Vijay Mehra, a former Subedar Major and national-level archery medal winner, is training the players.

Q. How many players is Mehra coaching?

Mehra is training 15 players in Almora.

Q. When did Vijay Mehra retire from the Army?

He retired as a Subedar Major in 2024.

Q. Which competition will the 3 Almora players attend?

Rajan Singh Fartyal, Priyanshu Tamta and Lakshya Bisht will compete in the ninth Senior Uttarakhand State Archery Championship in New Tehri.

Q. Is this the players’ first state-level competition?

Yes. The 3 players will participate in a state-level competition for the first time.

Q. What military honour did Mehra receive?

He received the Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card for outstanding service during his military career.

Q. Which officials and coaches were credited with supporting archery in Almora?

District Magistrate Anshul Singh, District Sports Officer Maheshi Arya and other coaches were credited with supporting the effort.