The leading recurve archers of the country will be keen to give impressive performances in the National archery championships, beginning at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday, in their quest to make the cut for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
The first major competition to be held after the election of new office-bearers of the Archery Association of India (AAI) will be followed by one of the major selection trials for picking probables for the upcoming World championships and the World Cups.
The World championships is doubly important for the recurve archers – who will be seen action following a month long training camp at the Army Sports Institute in Pune – as it serves as an Olympic qualifying event.
“The Nationals will be closely fought. This will pave the way for participation in the Olympic qualifying event,” said Olympian Atanu Das.
Das said he and his fiancee Deepika, who has won silver medals in the World championships and gold at World Cup, were going through a similar phase of their careers. “We have been working on the psychological aspect of our game. We are trying to reach our peak in about six months,” said Das.
Sukhchain Singh, Vishwas, Promila Daimary and Ankita Bhakat are among the recurve archers who can be in the limelight.
In compound section, elite performers like Asian Games medallists Abhishek Verma, Rajat Chauhan and Aman Saini among men and Muskan Kirar, Madhumita Kumari and V. Jyothi Surekha among women may emerge successful.
Even though compound archery does not feature in the Olympics, the archers will try to do well and book berths for the World championships.
“After a break we are beginning the season with some changes and new equipment. We can hope to face new talent,” said Verma.
The championships will start with the recurve competitions.
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