Bhubaneswar: The sports fraternity in Odisha is in mourning following the tragic demise of international archer and coach Rajesh Hansda, who passed away at the age of 49.
Hansda breathed his last on Saturday while undergoing treatment for a brain stroke at the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati led the state in paying tribute, expressing profound grief over the sudden loss. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Rajesh Hansda. His dedication to archery and his role in nurturing young talent will always be remembered,” he posted on X, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the archery community.
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo wrote: “I am deeply heartbroken. Through his exceptional sporting talent, he had brought glory to Odisha as well as the entire nation. His unparalleled contribution to enriching the state’s sports world will remain eternally memorable. In this hour of grief, while praying to Lord Shri Jagannath for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed grief over his demise. “Hansda’s contribution to the development of archery and nurturing young talent was unparalleled, and his role in giving archery a distinct identity in Odisha would always be remembered,” he posted on X.
Hailing from Santhal community in the MV-2 area of Malkangiri district, Hansda was a trailblazer for tribal youth and a prominent figure on the international circuit. He proudly represented India at 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok and secured a remarkable sixth position at the Second Asian Grand Prix in China in 2002. Over his illustrious competitive career, he amassed an impressive tally of 13 gold, 11 silver, and 3 bronze medals across various national and international platforms.
Following an injury that cut his competitive career short, Hansda transitioned into mentorship, dedicating his life to grooming the next generation of sportspersons. He served as the chief coach for the archery programme at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), while also guiding the official Odisha state archery team. Under his tutelage, numerous athletes excelled to represent the state and the nation globally.
In recognition of his immense contributions as both an athlete and a mentor, Hansda was conferred with several prestigious honours, including the Ekalavya Citation, the NALCO Sports Award, the Ashok Pattnaik Memorial Best Coach Award, and a special recognition from the South Odisha Development Council.
Tributes have continued to pour in from sports organisations, athletes, and admirers across the region. Hansda’s mortal remains were brought back to his native village in Malkangiri on Sunday, where local residents, sportspersons, and dignitaries gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects. He is survived by his wife and two children.
