Girls' school in Kanpur makes history at state archery championship

Girls from the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Gaur, Kanpur Dehat, have created history by securing third place at the state level archery championship, marking a remarkable debut for the district's only residential girls' school in competitive sports. The achievement comes with additional glory as student Rajni has been selected to represent Uttar Pradesh in the national under-14 recurve girls archery competition.

The 70th State Level Archery Championship was held from August 17 to 19 at the distinguished stadium in Robertsganj, Sonbhadh. A 20-member team from KGBV Gaur participated in the tournament for the first time and returned with an impressive medal haul that secured their third position in the overall state rankings.

The girls dominated the under-14 recurve category, with Khushi, Ananya, Kajal, and Rajni each clinching gold medals. In the under-17 recurve events, Kirti, Anshika, and Neha together won four silver medals, while Pinky, Roshani, Rama, and Pranshi contributed four bronze medals. The team's success extended to the under-14 Indian round competition, where Chandni, Parul, Nisha, and Kalpana secured four bronze medals.

Rajni's selection for the national championship represents a significant milestone not just for the school but for rural girls' sports in Kanpur Dehat district. The Kasturba Gandhi residential schools were established to provide quality education to girls from disadvantaged communities, and this sporting achievement demonstrates the holistic development approach being adopted.

Chief Development Officer of Sonbhadh, Jagriti Awasthi, honored the medal winners by presenting trophies and encouraged the girls to continue pursuing excellence in archery. The historic performance has brought recognition to KGBV Gaur and inspired aspirations among rural girls across the district.