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<\/picture><\/div>\nCompetitions with Indian bows have embraced significant changes, including fixing the distance for the qualification round at 30m and making it mandatory for every archer to shoot six arrows instead of three in each of the 12 ends.<\/p>\n
These changes were adopted to iron out logistical challenges of moving targets for 50m and 30m segments and making archers better prepared for a possible switch to recurve or compound division.<\/p>\n
After introducing these changes at the National junior championships in Jaipur last month, the Archery Association of India (AAI) implemented these at the elite National event here on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\u201cShifting targets for 50m and 30m segments was a big problem. Earlier, with one big target face, every time an arrow bounced or hung, we had to stop as all four archers shooting at it were affected. Now, with four smaller faces, even if someone has an issue, others don\u2019t get affected,\u201d said tournament director Rupesh Kar.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of three, they are shooting six arrows. This will make them keep track of time and help switching to recurve or compound.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among 236 archers, Gusehaj Singh Sandhu (686) and 13-year-old Pratibha Kandara (661) topped in men\u2019s and women\u2019s sections respectively under the new format.<\/p>\n
P. Heroba Singh, competing with Indian bows for two decades, found the format challenging. \u201cThe equation changes with six arrows. One must be mentally prepared,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Manipur\u2019s archer-turned-coach Gitanjali Devi said, \u201cTwo 30m segments are better as arrows reach targets with good force and accuracy. It\u2019s ideal for beginners.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recurve coach Sonam Thapa underlined the affordability of Indian bows, made of bamboo and wood in Manipur. \u201cMost archers come from middle-class or poor families. A bamboo bow, which costs \u20b95000-6000 unlike imported ones, is good to develop basic technique,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Pointing out the flip-side, coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja said, \u201cThe bow is fragile and causes injury. The draw length is limited and the poundage changes due to weather.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, international compound archer Rajat Chauhan highlighted another advantage. \u201cOne has to adjust as Indian bows and arrows lose shape during rains. But it makes one flexible,\u201d said Chauhan, stressing the equipment\u2019s role in the Indian context.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n