Nagpur Archer Ojas Deotale Honored with Arjuna Award
Nagpur's renowned archer and triple gold medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Ojas Pravin Archana Deotale, was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Ojas, the first among 26 athletes and para-athletes to be recognized, declared his intention to share the Rs 15 lakh reward with aspiring sports enthusiasts in his community.
Having secured three gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games and earning the title of World Champion in compound archery, Ojas became the only Indian male compound archer to achieve this feat. In an interview with 'The Hitavada' following the award ceremony in New Delhi, Ojas expressed his joy and stated, “I am happy that I have made my country and my parents proud.”
Ojas plans to utilize the award money for the development and enhancement of sports facilities for local children aspiring to excel in the field. He emphasized, “It’s a huge honour to be conferred with the Arjuna Award. I don’t want [the kids] to suffer and leave playing and pursue their dreams. This money will be utilized for the development of sports infrastructure, player diets, etc.” Acknowledging that the awarded sum may not be sufficient, Ojas is open to collaborating with NGOs to further support the cause.
The proud parents, Pravin and Archana Deotale expressed their overwhelming joy as Ojas walked the Red Carpet at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Pravin shared, “It is unbelievable...Sitting inside the colossal Durbar Bhawan of Rashtrapati Bhawan itself is a proud moment." He further described the honour of being inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the heartwarming reception they received. Reflecting on Ojas' announcement and the significance of his achievement, Pravin concluded, “This award will push me to work harder and bring more glory to the nation.”
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