Archery is a precision sport that involves using a bow and arrow to hit a target at a set distance. It is one of the oldest sports known to humanity, once used for hunting and warfare, now celebrated as a competitive and recreational activity that combines focus, control, and strength.
Basic Overview:
- Objective: Shoot arrows to hit the center (bullseye) of a target
- Target Distance (Olympic Standard): 70 meters
- Scoring Rings: Targets have concentric rings scored from 1 (outer) to 10 (center)
- Match Format: Individual, team, and mixed events (sets or cumulative scoring)
Types of Archery:
- Recurve Archery – Olympic standard; uses a curved bow
- Compound Archery – Uses a pulley system for more power and precision
- Traditional/Indian Archery – No sights or modern mechanisms
- Field & 3D Archery – Outdoor shooting with varied terrain or animal-shaped targets
Skills Required:
- Concentration & Calmness
- Steady Hand & Body Control
- Strong Visual Focus & Accuracy
- Discipline & Patience
- Breath Control, to stabilize aim before release
Archery Events:
- Olympics, Only recurve archery is featured
- Asian & Commonwealth Games
- World Archery Championships
- National/School-level Tournaments
- Events include:
- Individual Matches (Men/Women)
- Team Events (3 archers)
- Mixed Team Events (1 male + 1 female)
Famous Archers:
- Deepika Kumari (India), Former World No. 1
- Atanu Das (India), Olympian
- Abhinav Bindra (though a shooter, promoted archery in India)
- Kim Woo-jin (Korea), An San (Korea) – World-class Olympic archers
Benefits of Archery in Schools:
- Enhances mental focus and discipline
- Builds upper body strength and coordination
- Promotes patience, sportsmanship, and self-control
- Suitable for all age groups and genders
Archery is not just a test of aim, it’s a blend of mental concentration, technical skill, and physical control. Whether played as a competitive sport or a recreational activity, it teaches calmness under pressure and sharpens both body and mind.