Game-Changer Incoming: Kisik Lee Set to Take Over as Head Coach of Indian Recurve Archery Team
In what could be a landmark moment for Indian archery, legendary South Korean coach Kisik Lee is all set to become the head coach of India’s recurve archery team, ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
One of the most successful coaches in modern archery, Lee’s arrival signals a bold shift in India’s ambitions not just to qualify for finals, but to win medals on the world’s biggest stage.
According to top officials in the Archery Association of India (AAI), negotiations are at an advanced stage, with Lee expected to arrive by early August 2025. The 67-year-old will be based between New Delhi and the Sonepat regional training centre, and will work across both elite and junior recurve programs.
A Legendary Track Record
Kisik Lee’s coaching credentials are unmatched in the world of archery. Across a four-decade-long international career, he has mentored Olympic medallists for South Korea, Australia, and the United States, guiding athletes to:
- 7 Olympic golds, 6 silvers, 4 bronzes
- 11 World Championship golds, 8 silvers, 5 bronzes
- Over 300 World Cup medals as USA head coach
Lee started his international journey with the South Korean national team from 1981 to 1997, coaching the country’s most dominant squads through a golden era. He then moved to Australia, where he famously guided Simon Fairweather to Olympic gold at the 2000 Sydney Games the first and only Olympic title in Australia’s archery history.
From 2006 to 2024, Lee was the cornerstone of USA Archery, building a formidable team that consistently ranked among the world’s best. During this period, he shaped Brady Ellison’s legendary career, guiding him to five Olympic medals, a World Championship title, and five Archery World Cup Final victories. Lee’s efforts earned him the Coach of the Year award from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee in 2019.
“Train the Athletes, Train the Coaches”
Lee has already communicated his coaching philosophy to Indian officials:
“My job is to train the athletes and the coaches – and the archers show good results in the process.”
This signals that Lee’s role will extend beyond just preparing archers for major events. He is expected to rebuild India’s coaching ecosystem, empower domestic coaches with world-class techniques, and create a structured high-performance environment for archers at all levels.
Lee’s reported salary demand stands at $20,000 per month (approximately ₹17 lakh), which is now under consideration by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Once formalities are completed, his appointment is expected to be fast-tracked. As mentioned by SportsBackstory
A Strategic Rebuild Post-Paris Fallout
India’s last foreign recurve coach, Baek Woong Ki, also from South Korea, resigned in 2024 after a controversial fallout during the Paris Olympics. Despite leading a successful pre-Olympic training camp, Baek was denied accreditation and forced to return to India just days before the Games. He later criticised the AAI and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and refused to extend his contract.
Lee’s appointment, therefore, is not just about elite coaching it represents a restoration of credibility to India’s archery program and a long-term strategic plan to recover and grow.
With the 2026 Asian Games, 2027 World Championships, and 2028 Olympics lined up, this is the critical window for India to develop a competitive core across both genders and age groups.
Senior Archers React with Cautious Optimism
While the archery fraternity has largely welcomed the move, there are reports of initial hesitation from some senior archers about differences in technique. However, Kisik Lee is known for adapting his methods to suit athletes’ individual styles. His strength lies in building biomechanical efficiency, mental toughness, and structured technical execution without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Meanwhile, changes are also expected within the Indian coaching staff. Former international Rahul Banerjee is tipped to take charge of the women’s recurve squad, working alongside Lee to streamline India’s domestic setup.
The Road Ahead
If confirmed, Lee’s tenure could be the single most impactful coaching appointment in Indian Olympic history. His presence brings not only a proven coaching system but also global credibility, modern sports science, and an unrelenting focus on excellence.
With Indian recurve archery showing flashes of brilliance over the years including Deepika Kumari’s world No. 1 ranking, Atanu Das’s strong Olympic runs, and consistent youth-level performances the next step is a consistent podium presence.
Kisik Lee’s methods have worked across cultures and continents. If India can give him the time and freedom to implement his philosophy, the 2028 Olympics might just see Indian archers in contention for the ultimate prize.
India’s archery journey has been long, filled with promise but lacking the final step. Kisik Lee’s appointment is not just about preparing for one Games it’s about laying the foundation for a high-performance culture in Indian sport. If backed fully, his arrival might just trigger the most successful era of Indian archery ever.
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