South Korean archery coach Chae Woong Lim is in city for a purpose.
He is here to take a look at the hundreds of talented recurve archers in action at the 37th Junior National Championship in progress at the IGMC Stadium. Moving around the shooting lane, observing the archers, portrayed the workaholic coach as someone who meant business.
“I am looking for new faces. These juniors are future of Indian archery,” said Lim, who played a crucial role in guiding Indian team in the Incheon Asian Games.
Interestingly, Mr. Lim was with the Indian team from 2002 to 2007 and saw the national team’s ranking improve from World No. 22 to No. 4. He rejoined the team, thanks to the initiative of Sports Authority of India (SAI), and he will be guiding the Indian team for the 2016 Rio Olympics. “My target is to win a medal in Olympics. India’s performance is good all premier tournaments but when it came to Olympics it falters,” he pointed out. He said India has joined Korea, China, Japan and Chinese Taipei as the top five archery nations of Asia.
Mr. Lim said talented bunch of recurve archers will be shortlisted and a year-long training session both in India and abroad will prepare them for the prestigious Games. Archers will also travel abroad three or four times to compete in different climatic conditions. “The need of the hour is strong mind. Archery is more a mind game and the rest will fall in place. Indians are gradually shaping as a force to reckon with their consistent performances,” he emphasised.
Disclosing the secret of success of Korea in archery, Mr. Lim said the traditional bow-arrow sport was introduced in primary school level and talented students were pruned for advanced training. “We follow the pyramid system for success. Ultimately the best (the archers) will reach the top and they will be on the national duty. In fact Indian system is also more or less the same”.
Not interested to disclose the future faces, Mr. Lim said he would rather disclose at the appropriate time. The archery competitions will conclude on December 23.