Meet Usha Narvekar, a remarkable woman who balances multiple roles as a housewife, mother, government employee, and passionate archer. Renowned as one of Goa’s leading archers, she recently clinched first place in the inaugural online Archery competition organized by the Field Archery Association of India. Her husband, Deepak Naverkar, serves as the Deputy General Manager in the Public Relations department. Hailing from the picturesque village of Keri Sattari in North Goa, Usha is not only a graduate in the Arts but also works in the Accounts Department of the Goa Government while passionately pursuing her archery dreams.
A Humble Beginning
“I see myself as an average student,” Usha shares, recalling her formative years. Growing up in a middle-class family, she recognized the importance of education and strived for good grades. After completing her 12th standard at Bhumika Higher Secondary School, she opted to learn computer skills to secure a government job. “I planned to finish my graduation after getting a job, which is why I pursued a computer course first,” she explains.
With a father who worked in the police department and a background steeped in sports, Usha’s passion for athletics blossomed early. “My father was a sportsman who later joined the Goa Police, which instilled in me a love for sports. During school, I participated in various activities, including Kho Kho and Kabaddi. A teacher once encouraged me to play at the national level, so I trained rigorously at Campal Ground in Panaji and went on to compete in the National Games in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai.”
Rising Through the Ranks
At just 17, Usha represented her state in the National Games while still in 11th grade. “Competing in Delhi was a significant milestone for me,” she recalls. Her sports achievements eventually paved the way for a government job. “After finishing my higher secondary education, I enrolled in a computer course and secured a position in the Accounts Department, thanks to my sports quota.”
With a stable job, Usha was determined to fulfill her ambition of completing her graduation. “I sought permission from my supportive director, allowing me to pursue my degree from Kolhapur University. Balancing full-time work in the Accounts Department with my studies in Economics and Political Science was challenging, but I was committed.”
Navigating Life’s Challenges
Life presented its own set of challenges, especially for women expected to juggle work and family responsibilities. “Despite receiving multiple offers to participate in national events, I couldn’t attend due to home responsibilities. I was also learning to swim, but after my sister’s marriage, my parents did not allow me to continue,” Usha explains, highlighting her priorities. “As my parents aged, I felt the need to support them, which meant putting my dreams on hold. Nevertheless, my sports background instilled in me the strengths and positive attitudes that guided me through tough times.”
Usha credits her husband, Deepak, as her unwavering support system. “When we got married, he never hindered my aspirations. He encouraged me in every endeavor. However, once I became a mother, my focus shifted entirely to my children, and I took a break from sports to devote myself to my home and work.”
A New Chapter in Archery
Usha’s journey into archery is both fascinating and inspiring. When pro-kabaddi began airing on national television, she shared her experiences with her daughter, who was eager to see her mother in action. “After showing her my Kabaddi skills, she encouraged me to pursue my sports dreams,” Usha reflects. “While my elder daughter is more inclined toward social media, my younger one loves sports, so I enrolled her in gymnastics, where she competed nationally.”
While waiting for her daughter during gymnastics classes, Usha seized the opportunity to engage in her own athletic pursuits. “I had nearly two hours to spare, and noticing the absence of activities in my sport at Don Bosco, I decided to enroll in archery at Zito Archery Club. My coach, Mr. Zito Godinho, was incredibly supportive, marking the beginning of my archery journey.”
Achieving Success
With encouragement from her coach and family, Usha honed her skills rapidly. She attended a seminar on archery in Raigad, Maharashtra, and received valuable guidance from Mr. Pramod Chandorkar, the secretary of the Archery Association of India. “I also met several national and international coaches who provided insights that shaped my training,” she explains.
Usha clinched her first gold medal in archery in 2017. “Coach Zito took me to the national archery competition at Pedem Grounds in Mapusa, where I secured my first gold in the senior category. Shortly after, I competed in Dubai and earned my second medal,” she says proudly. Currently, she trains under Chetan Kawalekar, secretary of the Archery Association of Goa, with aspirations of competing at state and national levels.
Balancing Work, Family, and Sports
Usha firmly believes that sports are essential for maintaining fitness in today’s sedentary lifestyle. “With many of us stuck in desk jobs, we often overlook exercise. Sports play a crucial role in keeping us healthy,” she asserts. Juggling her time between work and archery is challenging. “My colleagues are supportive, but the workload in the Accounts Department makes it hard to take time off for competitions. I practice after work and on Saturdays from 4 to 6 PM.”
With a vision to make a career in archery, Usha emphasizes the importance of commitment and time management. “It’s a new field, and I aim to establish my place in it while balancing my job and family. If I need to compete at the national level, I’ll have to train for 3 to 4 hours daily. For events like the Commonwealth Games, that could rise to 8 to 9 hours. Once I reach that level, I’ll discuss with my husband about possibly leaving my job to fully dedicate myself to sports.”
A Message of Empowerment
Usha has a heartfelt message for women everywhere: “Stay fit and engage in activities that give you purpose, regardless of whether you are employed. With effective time management, you can build your career and pursue your dreams.” Before concluding our conversation, she expressed gratitude to those who have supported her journey. “I want to thank my husband Deepak Narvekar, who has been my rock, as well as Mr. Rajendra Kekar, Pratapsingh Rane, Vishwajit Rane, and our Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, for their invaluable support.”
Usha Narvekar’s story is a testament to resilience and determination, showcasing how one can balance multiple roles while striving for excellence in sports. Her journey is not just an inspiration to aspiring athletes but also to anyone seeking to pursue their dreams against all odds.
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