The many challenges in front of Indian archers

Competitions with Indian bows have embraced significant changes, including fixing the distance for the qualification round at 30m and making it mandatory for every archer to shoot six arrows instead of three in each of the 12 ends.

These changes were adopted to iron out logistical challenges of moving targets for 50m and 30m segments and making archers better prepared for a possible switch to recurve or compound division. After introducing these changes at the National junior championships in Jaipur last month, the Archery Association of India (AAI) implemented these at the elite National event here on Saturday.

“Shifting targets for 50m and 30m segments was a big problem. Earlier, with one big target face, every time an arrow bounced or hung, we had to stop as all four archers shooting at it were affected. Now, with four smaller faces, even if someone has an issue, others don’t get affected,” said tournament director Rupesh Kar.

“Instead of three, they are shooting six arrows. This will make them keep track of time and help switching to recurve or compound.” Among 236 archers, Gusehaj Singh Sandhu (686) and 13-year-old Pratibha Kandara (661) topped in men’s and women’s sections respectively under the new format.

P. Heroba Singh, competing with Indian bows for two decades, found the format challenging. “The equation changes with six arrows. One must be mentally prepared,” he said. Manipur’s archer-turned-coach Gitanjali Devi said, “Two 30m segments are better as arrows reach targets with good force and accuracy.

It’s ideal for beginners.” Recurve coach Sonam Thapa underlined the affordability of Indian bows, made of bamboo and wood in Manipur. “Most archers come from middle-class or poor families. A bamboo bow, which costs ₹5000-6000 unlike imported ones, is good to develop basic technique,” he said.

Pointing out the flip-side, coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja said, “The bow is fragile and causes injury. The draw length is limited and the poundage changes due to weather.” However, international compound archer Rajat Chauhan highlighted another advantage.

“One has to adjust as Indian bows and arrows lose shape during rains. But it makes one flexible,” said Chauhan, stressing the equipment’s role in the Indian context.