KiSik Lee, a name synonymous with archery excellence, is reportedly poised to become India's national archery head coach. This significant development comes as India sets its sights on a strong performance at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Lee, a legendary Korean coach, is expected to sign a three-year contract, bringing his vast experience and visionary approach to the Indian archery program. An official from the Archery Association of India (AAI) confirmed that Lee's application for the head recurve coach position has been submitted to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for final approval.
Lee's reputation precedes him. He is credited with transforming the USA archery team into a global powerhouse. During his 18-year tenure as the National Head Coach for the USA, his archers secured over 300 World Cup medals and achieved multiple Olympic podium finishes. His coaching expertise extends beyond the United States; he previously guided the Korean national team to numerous Olympic victories in the 1980s and 1990s and helped Australia achieve its first-ever Olympic individual medals in archery at the 2000 Sydney Games.
The decision to bring Lee on board reflects India's determination to improve its archery performance on the world stage, particularly at the Olympics. Despite showing promise and talent, Indian archers have historically struggled to secure Olympic medals, often faltering under pressure. The AAI believes that Lee's proven track record in building robust national systems and nurturing Olympic medalists makes him the ideal candidate to guide India to its first Olympic medal in archery.
Lee's coaching philosophy emphasizes a scientific approach to archery training. He developed the National Training System (NTS), a biomechanically engineered shooting technique that has been widely adopted in the United States. Lee's methods involve studying technique, body control, muscular requirements, and mental concentration. He is known for his ability to identify and develop talent, as demonstrated by his work with archers like Brady Ellison, whom he coached to become one of the best archers in the world.
The appointment of Lee is viewed as a long-term investment in Indian archery. Beyond working with elite athletes, he is expected to play a crucial role in mentoring grassroots talent, building a strong foundation for future international success. His expertise will be invaluable in developing both the technical skills and mental resilience needed to compete at the highest levels.
India has primarily relied on Korean foreign coaches since the 2004 Athens Olympics, except for a brief period in 2012 when Indian archer Limba Ram coached the team. Most recently, Korean coach Baek Woong Ki was appointed as head coach for Paris 2024 but was denied accreditation. With Lee's expected arrival, India is hoping to finally break its Olympic medal drought in archery and establish itself as a leading force in the sport. His three-year contract aligns perfectly with the timeline for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, providing ample time to implement his training programs and develop a competitive team.
