Recurve archers find backers in their quest for an Olympic medal

The archers will soon head to Italy for the World Championships starting July 3 — the first meet in the qualification year with 91 nations participating and only 8 slots available for qualification. "The competition just hikes up from here," Banerjee says, adding, "countries like US, France and China have joined the race, to go along with the traditional powerhouse Korea. But we are confident of winning the quota," he adds, taking ample inspiration from the 2005 silver medal, India's biggest internationally at Madrid.

India's Olympic interest in the past edition has centred around the other precision sport - shooting. Archery, now plans to do its best to stake its own claim on glory - putting together its own little team of support.

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