Star-pair Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das resume training under veteran coach Kim Hyung-Tak

Published at :November 24, 2023 at 8:07 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 1:15 AM

(Courtesy : The Indian Express)

Deepika recently won gold medal at National Games.

Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, a formidable archery pair from India, are fiercely committed to revitalizing their performances on the international stage. Seeking a resurgence in their skills, they’ve embarked on a training journey under the esteemed mentorship of coach Kim Hyung-Tak in a serene South Korean countryside.

As per the report from PTI, the duo have started training in Hyung-Tak Archery Training centre since November 11th. Deepika, a former world No. 1 and a seasoned Olympian, has encountered a recent dip in her performance, reflected in her descent to 445th place in the World Rankings for women’s recurve.

Despite these challenges, she exhibited a glimmer of her past brilliance by clinching two gold and one silver medal at the National Games, signaling a potential turnaround in her form.

Atanu Das, a two-time Olympian himself, faced intermittent stints in the Indian team and recently missed qualification for the Olympic-qualifying Asian Championships in Bangkok. However prior to the competition he managed to win a team silver at the Asian Games.

Their journey is not without hurdles, as the emergence of young talents like Dhiraj Bommadevara in the men’s has intensified the competition. Nevertheless, the duo, once dominant in Indian archery, remains resolute, viewing this period as a make-or-break opportunity.

Deepika, driven by her relentless hunger for an Olympic medal, expressed her determination despite faltering at crucial match moments. Training under Hyung-Tak has aimed to enhance her consistency, a crucial aspect she’s been striving to improve.

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This pursuit, however, requires sacrifice. Deepika, a devoted mother, remains away from her daughter for the longest period yet, supported by the belief that her daughter is adapting well to their separation. The mentorship of Hyung-Tak, renowned for his coaching prowess, has been invaluable to both Deepika and Atanu.

Atanu has sought guidance from Hyung-Tak multiple times, acknowledging the coach’s impact on his Olympic journey, particularly during his comeback for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Looking ahead, India possesses a sole Olympic berth in men’s individual archery, secured by Dhiraj. The final qualification opportunity is set for the World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, with hopes to secure team quotas based on rankings.

Deepika remains optimistic about her comeback to the Indian team, expressing confidence in her abilities after this enriching experience in South Korea.

Hyung-Tak’s coaching legacy spans over five decades, starting from his tenure with the Korean Archery Association to leading Chinese Taipei’s surge in the 1990s. His expertise continues to influence archers of all levels globally through coaching workshops and training programs.

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