Historic news has emerged regarding the 2028 Olympics, a momentous occasion for Indian sports enthusiasts. For the first time, compound archery has been included in the Olympic Games, a development expected to greatly benefit emerging archery nations like India.
Sports News: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a landmark decision regarding the 2028 Olympics, to be held in Los Angeles, USA. Compound mixed archery will be included in the Olympic Games for the first time. Until now, only recurve archery was part of the Olympics; this new decision grants recognition to compound archery.
This move is considered a 'game-changer' for India, as Indian athletes have consistently demonstrated excellent performance in compound mixed team events at the global level. Therefore, India is expected to be a b contender for an Olympic medal in this event.
Compound Archery: What is this new event?
Compound archery differs technically from traditional recurve archery. It utilizes bows with a special pulley system, allowing for more accurate and faster shot release. In this format, target concentration, stability, and technical skill become even more crucial. Recurve archery is already an Olympic event, but compound archery has been overlooked until now. This marks the first inclusion of a new archery format in the Olympics since 1972.
From America to the Olympics
Compound archery originated in the United States and was first included in the World Games in 2013. Its popularity has since grown rapidly, with millions of players worldwide participating. World Archery President Uğur Erdener called the decision "a victory for the sport and decades of hard work by athletes." He also thanked the IOC and its President Thomas Bach for their support in making this dream a reality.
Why are India's hopes high?
India has showcased remarkable performance in compound archery in recent years. Names like Abhishek Verma, Ojash Deotale, and Rishabh Yadav have gained international recognition. For instance, India won a bronze medal in the compound men's team event at the first stage of the 2024 Archery World Cup, defeating b teams like Denmark. Given this performance, it is believed that India can achieve its dream of winning its first Olympic medal in compound archery at the 2028 Olympics.
