The Indian archery scene is set for a major boost with the launch of the Indian Archery League in October 2025 and the hiring of legendary coach KiSik Lee. These developments signal a new era for the sport in India, with the potential to elevate the performance of Indian archers on the global stage and foster greater interest in archery nationwide.
The Indian Archery League, conceptualized in 2020 but delayed due to sponsorship issues, is finally ready to commence at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi. The league will feature six city-based teams, with three teams already finalized from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The remaining franchises will be decided soon. Each team will consist of eight archers – four recurve and four compound, with an equal split between men and women. A unique aspect of the league is the mandatory inclusion of two international archers in each team, aiming to bring in global expertise and exposure to the local talent. The Archery Association of India (AAI) is in discussions with broadcasters like Sony Sports and JioHotstar to telecast the league, ensuring wide reach and visibility. An AAI official said that they are confident that this league will do something similar for archery as the IPL did for cricket.
Adding to the excitement, the AAI has secured the services of KiSik Lee, a highly respected Korean coach, to lead the national archery team. Lee's appointment is a three-year contract leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The proposal has been forwarded to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for final approval. Lee brings a wealth of experience, having guided the USA team to over 300 World Cup medals and three Olympic podium finishes. The AAI believes that Lee is not only a medal-winning coach but also a visionary who can transform the national system. His expertise in creating biomechanically sound archery systems and mentoring Olympic medalists makes him an ideal candidate to guide India towards its first-ever Olympic medal in archery.
However, the AAI is aware of the challenges ahead. Many senior archers in India prefer personal coaches, and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to Lee's coaching style. The AAI has consulted with the senior archers and is open to them continuing with their personal coaches, while Lee focuses on grooming young and mid-level talent. This approach ensures a balance between experience and new talent, fostering a competitive environment within the team.
These initiatives arrive at a crucial time for Indian archery. Despite immense potential, Indian archers have struggled to consistently perform at the highest level, particularly at the Olympics. The Indian Archery League and KiSik Lee's appointment represent a concerted effort to address these challenges and create a sustainable ecosystem for archery in India. By providing a platform for archers to compete in a professional league and receive guidance from a world-class coach, India aims to realize its Olympic dream and establish itself as a major force in international archery.
