The Indian archery team at the Paris Olympics 2024 is expected to perform impressively, hence, it's worth looking at both the men's and women's teams' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Paris Olympics 2024 has already begun and the Indian archery team stands at the viewpoint of many. Blending a mix of some seasoned veterans and promising young talent gives the team the potential to make a bigger impact globally in this competition.
So, it is important that we have a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to understand the position of the Indian archery team in the Paris event.
Strengths
Experienced Campaigners
One of the main strengths of the Indian archery team is the presence of experienced archers like Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai. Multiple World Cup medals and past Olympic experiences make Deepika Kumari an archer who has gained a lot of experience, making her strong. With experience in delivering under stress—almost always proving herself—she is one of the cornerstones of the team. Similarly, Tarundeep Rai's long experience and calm style instill a sense of stability in the squad and provide guidance to the younger members of the squad.
Technical Proficiency
The Indian archers have received fairly good technical expertise due to rigorous training routines coupled with exposure to international competitions. More importantly, the inclusion of mental conditioning and advanced coaching techniques added a professional touch to their performance. Top-of-the-line training facilities along with support from SAI, did much in sharpening the skills of these archers.
Weaknesses
Inconsistency
Probably, one of the major weaknesses of our Indian archery team is inconsistency. Although they have turned in some really great performances in some championships, most of the time they failed to do that elsewhere. This inconsistency can be attributed to the high-pressure nature of international competitions and the mental strain it places on athletes.
Indian archers have occasionally lost their nerve at crucial moments that have seen them make unexpected exits from tournaments.
Opportunities
Improved Support Systems
Talking about the opportunity, it is an opportunity when the Indian government and sports authorities are increasingly focusing on archery. Enhanced financial support, better training facilities, and increased exposure to international competitions are some of the positive developments. These improvements can help archers prepare better and gain experience until they can compete at the highest level.
Potential for Historic Achievement
A good team and better preparation this time can help Indian archery accomplish historic results in the Paris Olympics. A medal-winning show could raise the profile of the sport in India and evoke a response in future archers. The 2024 Olympics could just be that defining turn when, much like the performances of Indian athletes that have made other sports increasingly popular and encouraged their growth, archery does the same.
Threats
Stiff Competition
The global archery scene in itself is fiercely competitive, with countries like South Korea, the USA, and China churning out some of the champions. It is going to be tough competition that the Indian team will have to face from already established house power. It would be a challenge to match up to their skills and do a better job than them in the intense Olympic Games.
Overall, the Indian archery team for the Paris Olympics 2024 is a mix of promise and challenges. With seasoned leaders, and an upcoming batch of young talents, coupled with improved support systems, the team is poising itself as a strong squad. But how those very inconsistencies are ironed out and pressure is handled will be the key. If these inputs are taken care of, then the Indian archers may just write another historic chapter in their Olympic journey.