Sports
India's Archery Squad Begins International Season at Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok
India's archery team is set to commence its international season at the Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, starting on Tuesday, with a roster featuring younger talent and experienced but less established archers. This event serves as an opportunity for the Indian contingent to evaluate its depth in preparation for a busy schedule that includes the Asian Games.
The Indian archery squad will initiate its competitive year at the Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, commencing on Tuesday. This tournament marks the beginning of the international archery calendar for India, featuring a lineup that includes emerging athletes and seasoned competitors not typically in the primary spotlight. Notable archers such as Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Abhishek Verma will not participate, as the national program aims to assess its secondary talent pool. This strategic decision is part of a broader plan to build team resilience for a demanding season, culminating in the Asian Games scheduled for September-October in Japan. Despite the absence of its top-ranked archers, India is considered a strong contender for the overall championship, having secured eight medals, including five gold, at last year's opening leg. The team seeks to uphold its strong performance record on the Asia Cup circuit, especially with world power South Korea not competing in this event. China and Bangladesh are anticipated to be India's primary competitors in Korea's absence.
Key Facts
- India's archery team will compete at the Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, starting on Tuesday.
- The squad for this event comprises a mix of younger athletes and returning veterans, rather than established stars.
- Key archers like Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam are not participating.
- The tournament provides an opportunity to test India's bench strength ahead of a busy season, including the Asian Games.
- Top Indian archers are expected to return for the World Cup legs in Puebla, Mexico, and Shanghai, beginning in April.
- South Korea, a major archery nation, will not be competing in the Asia Cup Stage 1.
- China and Bangladesh are identified as India's main rivals in the absence of South Korea.
- Australia's Ryan Tyack, ranked world No. 27, is the highest-ranked archer in the recurve men's section.