Indian archers face new 30m qualifying distance and six-arrow ends at elite Nationals in Shillong

Indian archers at the elite National event in Shillong on Saturday competed under a revised format that fixed the qualification distance at 30m and required six arrows per end instead of three; the Archery Association of India implemented the changes at the event.

The adjustments address logistical issues and preparation requirements: competitions with Indian bows now use a set 30m qualification round, and every archer must shoot six arrows in each of the 12 ends. The 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.

Tournament director Rupesh Kar described the target-face and shooting-order rationale, saying, “Shifting 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’t get affected. Instead of three, they are shooting six arrows. This will make them keep track of time and help switching to recurve or compound.”

Among 236 archers competing under the new format, Gusehaj Singh Sandhu led the men’s section with a score of 686, while 13-year-old Pratibha Kandara topped the women’s with 661.

P. Heroba Singh, who has been competing with Indian bows for two decades, said the extended ends altered competition dynamics: “The equation changes with six arrows. One must be mentally prepared,” he said.

Manipur’s archer-turned-coach Gitanjali Devi supported the 30m segments, saying, “Two 30m segments are better as arrows reach targets with good force and accuracy. It’s ideal for beginners.” Recurve coach Sonam Thapa pointed to equipment accessibility, noting the local construction and cost: “Most archers come from middle-class or poor families. A bamboo bow, which costs ₹5000-6000 unlike imported ones, is good to develop basic technique,” he said.

Coaches also noted drawbacks and adaptability: “The bow is fragile and causes injury. The draw length is limited and the poundage changes due to weather,” said coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja. International compound archer Rajat Chauhan added, “One has to adjust as Indian bows and arrows lose shape during rains. But it makes one flexible.” The format had been trialled at the National junior championships in Jaipur last month and was put into use at the elite National event in Shillong on Saturday.