Off target Indian archery finds new hope in administrative change of guard

An administrative overhaul after more than four decades held out hope for the future but Indian archery was largely in a downward spiral this year save for Deepika Kumari's comeback and some good performances in the compound category.

The highs were achieved in the compound section in which the women's team reached the pinnacle of world rankings for the first time in history with 22-year-old Jyothi Surekha Vennam leading the way.

The Archery Association of India, de-recognised by the Sports Ministry in 2012, finally held its elections and former IAS officer BVP Rao was elected president, ending Vijay Kumar Malhotra's reign which dated back to 1973.

Subject to ratification by the Supreme Court, the outcome of the elections was a harbinger of hope for the sport that was facing the threat of being banned from the international arena.

It remains to be seen if the new set-up heralds any concrete changes on the ground.

For the time being, without a national coach and regular training ...