From a simple tribal boy, LIMBA RAM has now grown into a world famous archer. India is proud of Limba who equalled a world record in the Beijing international invitation archery championship, which concluded recently. “If you are concentrating hard and do not let anything bother you, you will certainly do well,” says the confident Rajasthani. RAKESH RAO spoke to India’s latest star.
His weapon was a bamboobow and arrow. His tar-gets, wild rabbits. Hisaim, to ensure two square meals for his mother, brothers and sisters. Lifewashard yet simple for this tribal boy from Saradit village in Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
In the five eventful years that followed, Limba Ram’s life went through a total transformation. Imported fibre - glass replaced the bamboo. Glittering medals became his target and the aim to bring glory to the country in international competitions.
Life, certainly, has never been the same for Limba Ram, the master archer.
A find of the Sports Authority of India’s Special Area Games, a brainchild of Mr. B. V. P. Rao, Limba was picked from a selection trial held in 1987 and he has not looked back since. His hallmark is concentration and the never-say die approach.
He first led the country to a team title in the Gold Arrow invitational meet in the Soviet Union in 1989 and followed it up with the Asia Cup triumph in Beijing in 1990. In the Federation Cup 1990, held in Delhi, Limba could not perform to his best as the handle of his bowgave way on the eve of the championship. But he still contributed his bit. India won the team title.
As though to prove a point, Limba was back with a vengeance when India defended the Federation Cup title in Calcutta, earlier this year.
From a carefree teenager who wandered all over the jungle near his village, Limba now finds himself weighed down by the nation’s expectations.His training regimen does not allow him to roam about as he did in his early days.
But he still cherishes a piece of bamboo. Not the bow but a flute. “Flute helps me relax. In my village, every boy plays theflute.You must come over and see for yourself,” invites Limba with a smile.
This story is from the May 27, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
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This story is from the May 27, 2017 edition of Sportstar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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