From archer to agricultural scientist

G.P. Sandeep, former national medallist in archery who cracked the Agricultural Research Services Exam earlier this week.

For G.P. Sandeep, whose first love has long been archery, being a trainee of renowned coach P. Ravishanker at Telangana Sports School in Hakimpet near here, it has been a journey to remember as he eventually bagged the post of an agricultural scientist.

The 27-year-old, a native of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh but brought up in the city after he joined the sports school in 2004, has been a good talent in archery, winning a silver in the 2017 Junior Nationals in Maharashtra’s Satara.

“I am grateful to all the teachers and sports instructors who played a pivotal role in my development. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my success,” says Mr. Sandeep in a chat with The Hindu. He expressed his special thanks to coach Ravishanker.

Mr. Sandeep completed his MSc Agriculture from PJTA University and took a Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru. “I recently cleared the Agricultural Research Services (ARS) exam, conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB),” he said.

Mr. Sandeep is excited about the opportunity to serve the farming community. “As a social scientist, I aim to contribute to the socio-economic development of farmers across the country, leveraging my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact,” he said. Mr. Ravishanker, currently working on deputation at the sports school, hoped his trainee would make valuable contributions in the field of agriculture.

“This is the beauty of the sports school concept as it not only helps students excel in sports but also in academics, by ensuring the right kind of atmosphere. We badly need more such schools across the State,” said the coach, who, like many of his contemporaries, hoped the government would regularise the services. “Mr. Sandeep could well be an inspiration for many budding athletes who wish to combine excellence in sports and academics,” he concluded.