Kim Hyung Tak, a renowned global archery coach, believes that consistent training and preparation could enable India to win its first-ever Olympic medal in archery at Paris 2024. With over 40 years of coaching experience, Kim recently led a seminar for coaches at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Sonepat, Haryana, attended by more than 30 coaches.
Kim noted, “The Indian recurve team is receiving exceptional technical training. There is also excellent communication between the archers and their coaches. This consistent approach in training and preparation is crucial for achieving success at the Olympics. If this level of dedication continues, I believe winning a medal in Paris is very achievable.”
To date, Dhiraj Bommadevara is the only Indian archer to secure a quota place for Paris 2024. The Indian recurve team is currently working towards obtaining a team quota at the final qualification tournament scheduled from June 14 to 17 in Antalya, Turkey. The team’s morale is high following Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Jadhav’s historic World Cup victory in Shanghai on April 28, where they defeated the reigning Olympic champions from South Korea to secure gold after 14 years.
Kim praised the Indian team’s progress, saying, “The team’s overall performance has improved significantly due to the talented archers on both the men’s and women’s sides. The frequent coaching camps organized by the Sports Authority of India and the Archery Association of India are making a positive impact. This ongoing collaboration is essential for the team to achieve that elusive Olympic medal.” Kim, who led the Korean women’s recurve team to its first Olympic gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, also highlighted the supportive role of seasoned archers like Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai in mentoring younger talents.
Kim, who has trained over 500 archers from 30 countries, recently oversaw a two-day national team preparation camp at Sonepat. This camp, supported by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) through its CSR program, is part of NTPC’s Rs 115 Crore commitment to Indian archery over five years.
Elaborating on his optimism for Indian archery, Kim said, “The presence of many young archers bodes well for the future. Experienced archers like Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai play a crucial role in guiding the younger generation. This mentorship is vital as the team prepares for the Paris Games.” Kim also conducted a special session with three-time Olympian Deepika Kumari, who is aiming to qualify for Paris 2024 following strong performances after returning from motherhood.
Kim commended the coaching program at SAI, Sonepat, noting that it has recently produced more than 100 international medals. “Since my arrival, I’ve observed a high level of detailed training, enhanced by technological integration. The coaches are diligently managing training schedules, and the psychology team is actively supporting the archers. The comprehensive mentoring approach is making a significant difference,” Kim concluded.
