Tribal minister, ex-Jharkhand CM likely to head Indian archery

Former Jharkhand chief minister and newly-inducted minister in the Narendra Modi government, Arjun Munda, is likely to be elected unanimously as president of the de-recognised Archery Association of India.

"I have completed the process (of filing nomination) and now look forward to the elections," Munda, who was entrusted with the tribal welfare ministry portfolio, told PTI from New Delhi on Friday.

"There's a lot of potential in India in archery, especially in tribal areas. We will look to tap the talent and continue to produce good archers," the BJP MP from Khunti said.

A three-time Jharkhand chief minister, the 51-year-old Munda is a hugely popular tribal leader who also runs an archery academy, which was instrumental in the rise of former world number one Deepika Kumari.

"Previously I worked at a small place (Saraikela-Kharsawan) and produced acclaimed archer like Deepika Kumari. Now, I will look to take it forward. In a country of 1.3 billion, I'm sure there are enough talent to produce an Olympic medal winner."