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News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Aiming Beyond Limits: Indian Archery Welcomes Visually Impaired Athletes
A bold step forward by the Archery Association of India New Delhi | In a landmark move that reshapes the contours of Indian sport, the Archery Association of India has officially introduced the Visually Impaired category in Para Archery. This is a defining moment not just for the sport, but for the spirit of inclusion, belief, and limitless potential. The inaugural shooting session was held at the Archery Association of India's headquarters, Yamuna Sports Complex, in Delhi. It was a proud, emotional, and historic moment. It wasn't just the start of a new category; it was the beginning of a bold shift in how Indian sport defines ability. 'This is not just a new category. It's a new consciousness," said Shri Arjun Munda, President of the Archery Association of India. 'With the inclusion of visually impaired athletes, we reaffirm that Indian sport is built not just on talent, but on trust in every athlete's potential. Archery has always demanded focus. Now, it demands inclusion too. We are proud to lead that change." This initiative is not a gesture of goodwill. It is a decisive step forward, powered by the belief that performance, passion, and potential are not bound by sight. It challenges assumptions, redefines what's possible, and sends a clear message: Indian archery belongs to everyone who has the will to aim, train, and rise. 'This step is a reflection of the Archery Association of India's long-term vision a sport that welcomes every form of talent," said Shri Virendra Sachdeva, Secretary General, Archery Association of India. 'We are not just creating access. We are creating a platform where visually impaired athletes can grow, compete, and proudly represent India. Archery must belong to everyone who dares to aim. Today, we move one step closer to that promise." The Archery Association of India is committed to building the infrastructure, coaching expertise, and long-term support needed to enable visually impaired athletes to flourish nationally and globally. This is more than a milestone. It is a movement. A statement that Indian sport is evolving: bold, inclusive, and future-ready. And a declaration that every arrow deserves its flight. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 10:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Indian Archery League set for October launch
The much-anticipated franchise-based Indian Archery League is finally set to take off in October at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi with six city-based teams, Archery Association of India treasurer Joris Paulose Ummacheril confirmed on Tuesday. Initially conceptualised in 2020, the league had to be shelved due to lack of sponsors. However, the AAI has now secured sponsors and is currently in discussions with broadcasters, including Sony Sports and JioHotstar, to roll out the league this year. This will be the world's first franchise league in archery and the federation is hopeful of a strong response that will go a long way in developing Indian archers, who are still chasing their maiden Olympic medal. 'Everything will be finalised by the end of this month, and we are hopeful of launching the league in the October window. We are calling it Indian Archery League but the name is not yet finalised,' Jose told PTI. ALSO READ | Kisik Lee set to coach Indian recurve archers ahead of 2028 Olympics Three teams -- from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru -- have already been finalised. The remaining franchises will be decided soon. Each franchise will adopt a city, depending on ownership and league plans. Each team will consist of eight archers -- four in recurve and four in compound -- with two men and two women in each category. It will be mandatory for each team to include two overseas archers, Joris said. 'We've seen how the IPL has revolutionised Indian cricket, and we are confident this league will do something similar for archery,' another AAI official said. Related Topics Archery
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Korean Kisik Lee set to coach Indian recurve arche
Legendary Korean coach Kisik Lee, who has guided archers from different countries to Olympics medals, is all set to become India's recurve head coach in the run-up to the 2028 Olympics. Lee is expected to take over in August. 'After the second round of interview, the terms and conditions have been approved by the Government. We are sending him the job contract and he needs to sign it. It will take about two months. His contract will be up to LA28,' Archery Association of India (AAI) treasurer Joris Paulose Ummacheril told The Hindu on Tuesday. It is learnt that Lee's salary will be $20,000 per month. The 67-year-old will replace his compatriot Baek Woong Ki, who exited after being denied accreditation for the Paris Olympics. Lee coached the Korean team before coaching Australian Simon Fairweather to the 2000 Sydney Olympics gold and his compatriot Tom Cuddihy to bronze four years later. He worked with the USA team from 2006 to 2024 and helped its archers, including multiple Worlds and Olympics medallist Brady Ellison, bag medals in World Cups, World championships and the Olympics. Ummacheril said that in the absence of a full-time coach at present, former international Rahul Banerjee would coach the Indian women during the World Cup Stage-4 and World championships.
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
World archery championships: Dhiraj, Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and compound archer V. Jyothi to compete
Reigning compound individual World champions Ojas Deotale and Aditi Swami, Asian Games silver medallist Abhishek Verma and Olympian recurve archers Atanu Das and Bhajan Kaur have missed out on berths in the Indian team for the World archery championships, to be held in Gwangju, South Korea, from September 5 to 12. Paris Olympians B. Dhiraj, Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat and multiple Worlds medallist compound archer V. Jyothi Surekha were among those who finished inside the top three in the selection trials held at the Army Sports Institute, Pune. The country can field a maximum of three archers in each category. Youngsters Neeraj Chauhan (who beat Dhiraj in the elimination stage), Rahul and Gatha Khadake (who saw off Bhajan in elimination) gave impressive performances through the multi-format trials to earn coveted slots. Archers finishing fourth in the trials will join the top three for the World Cup Stage-4 in Madrid from July 8 to 13. It is learnt that in case a top-three archer's performance drops drastically in Madrid, the Archery Association of India (AAI) may consider replacing him/her with the fourth-placed athlete in that particular category for the World championships. A final decision on this is awaited. Top-four archers: Recurve: Men: 1. B. Dhiraj, 2. Neeraj Chauhan, 3. Rahul, 4. Tarundeep Rai; Women: 1. Deepika Kumari, 2. Ankita Bhakat, 3. Gatha Khadake, 4. Sharvari Shende. Compound: Men: 1. Aman Saini, 2. Prathamesh Fuge, 3. Rishabh Yadav, 4. Priyansh; Women: 1. V. Jyothi Surekha, 2. Parneet Kaur, 3. Prithika Pradeep, 4. Taniparthi Chikitha.
NDTV
07-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Kisik Lee Likely To Become India's Head Coach Ahead Of Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Legendary Korean coach KiSik Lee, who led the USA to over 300 World Cup medals and three Olympic podium finishes, is all set to take charge as India's national archery head coach on a three-year contract in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Games 2028, a top Archery Association of India official confirmed to PTI on Saturday. The 67-year-old Lee has been shortlisted for the top job in the recurve section and the proposal has been forwarded to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for final approval. "Given his outstanding resume, he is the ideal candidate to guide India towards its first-ever Olympic medal in archery," the official said. "We've had several rounds of discussions with him, and he has agreed to commit to India till LA 2028." A bold gamble after years of heartbreak India's archery programme has long promised greatness but repeatedly faltered on the Olympic stage, often crumbling under pressure. Since Athens 2004, India has mostly relied on Korean foreign coaches, except for the 2012 London Olympics when the legendary Indian archer Limba Ram helmed the team. However, the results didn't change. Recently, Korean coach Baek Woong Ki was appointed as head coach at Paris 2024, but was denied accreditation due to the contingent exceeding its support staff quota. Preferred personal coaches and physios of top archers were prioritised, forcing Woong Ki to return to India before the Games began -- a controversy that underlined the lack of systemic clarity and cohesion. Why KiSik Lee? The AAI believes Lee brings more than just reputation. "He's not only a medal-winning coach but also a visionary who has transformed national systems -- something India urgently needs," the official said. Lee is globally respected for creating the USA's biomechanically sound "National Archery System" and mentoring multiple Olympic medallists, including world No. 7 Brady Ellison, who credits Lee with shaping both his career and character. "Coach Lee's impact is immeasurable," USA Archery CEO Rod Menzer had said when Lee announced he would step down after the Paris Games to focus on family. "He developed world-class athletes and inspired a generation of archers and coaches." Under his leadership, USA also won golds at indoor, outdoor, field, and 3D world championships. Lee was instrumental in nurturing youth talent through elite programs like the 'Junior Dream Team' and the 'Resident Athlete' programme at Chula Vista. Challenges and expectations Lee, who previously coached Korea and Australia, is known for using a drawing technique that is distinct from both the Indian and Korean methods. His appointment is expected to usher in technical innovation and mental resilience, glaring weaknesses in India's past Olympic campaigns. However, questions remain on whether India's senior archers, who often prefer personal coaches, will adapt. India's archery power couple Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari, who have seven Olympics in between them, recently roped in veteran Rahul Banerjee as their personal coach. The Army on the other hand have their own Korean coach. Dhiraj Bommadevara is the current Army man in the Indian team. "We have consulted the seniors, and we hope it will work out. If they want to continue with their coaches, that's fine. Lee can then focus on grooming young and mid-level talent," the AAI official added. "This is a long-term investment. He won't just train our elite archers but will also mentor grassroots talent and coaches. We are hopeful the results will reflect in Paris and culminate in LA 2028." The ball now lies in SAI's court and if approved, the Korean master tactician could be India's biggest hope yet to break its Olympic archery jinx. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
