The Archery Ambition: Meet the Girls Redefining Success in Indian Sports

Rakesh Thapliyal
New Delhi: On 8 March 2025, we stand in unison with the world to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme is a powerful call to action—an appeal to unlock equal rights, opportunities, and influence for women and girls everywhere. At the heart of this vision is the belief that when women and girls rise, society progresses. This is the very spirit of ‘Shakti Se Pragati’—from strength comes progress.
The Transformative Power of Sports
Sports transcend boundaries, defy limitations, and break barriers. They inspire confidence, instill discipline, and create pathways to success. Through sports, girls challenge societal norms, build leadership skills, and unlock their boundless potential. Across India, grassroots sports initiatives are providing young athletes with structured training and opportunities to excel.
True empowerment shines brightest through the incredible journeys of young athletes whose determination and grit have helped them rise against all odds. Rachna Majhi and Suhana Parveen embody this spirit—turning their dreams into reality through the power of sports.

Rachna Majhi: Aiming for Glory
Hailing from a tribal family in Kalahandi district, Odisha, 16-year-old Rachna Majhi grew up watching her mother toil tirelessly to support their family after the loss of her father. When she first saw her classmates engaging in archery, she was instantly captivated. Determined to try, she took her first steps into the sport—and never looked back. With rigorous training, expert coaching, and unwavering support, Rachna honed her skills and began competing at state and national levels. Today, she is a medal-winning archer with aspirations of representing India on the international stage. She is one of many young archers who have found their passion and purpose through sports, proving that talent and hard work can overcome even the toughest circumstances.

Suhana Parveen: Aiming High, Dreaming Bigger
Growing up in Chandaha village, Bokaro, Suhana Parveen discovered archery when a coach visited her school. Enthralled by the sport, she convinced her parents to let her join. Despite financial hardships, Suhana’s resolve never wavered—she cycled 4 km daily to attend practice, pouring her heart into rigorous training. Her dedication bore fruit when she clinched a bronze medal at her first state tournament in 2022. But her journey didn’t stop there. At the 15th State Archery Tournament in 2023, she won one gold and one bronze medal, solidifying her place among rising stars. Suhana dreams of competing at the national level, bringing pride to her village, her family, and the academy where she trains. Her story is a shining example of how determination, when met with opportunity, leads to progress.
A Call to Action
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, let us recognize the role of sports as a driving force for gender equality. Rachna and Suhana’s journeys remind us that when girls are given the right platform, they can transcend limitations and achieve extraordinary feats.
By investing in grassroots programs, fostering mentorship, and building inclusive environments, we can create a future where every girl has the opportunity to chase her dreams—on the field and beyond. Empowering girls through sports is not just about winning medals—it is about shaping leaders, changemakers, and role models for generations to come.
Several organizations are championing these efforts, including Vedanta’s key business units like Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta Aluminium, and ESL Steel, which actively supports sports talents like Rahna and Suhana, uplifting young athletes and drive community progress.
Together, let’s inspire change, one athlete, one story, and one community at a time. From strength comes progress—Shakti Se Pragati.