Korean archers vie for gold at the 2018 Asian Games

Korean archers vie for gold at the 2018 Asian Games. July. 21, 2018 08:38. by Bo-Mi Im bom@donga.com.
There is a saying in Korea that “It is harder to make the Korean national archery team than to win a gold medal in the Olympics.” During the four rounds of selection matches, an archer shot a total of 4,055 arrows and walked 182 kilometers to retrieve his arrows on targets 70 meters away.

The tension of their bows is 44 pounds on average. It is like holding a 20-kilogram bag of rice for a few seconds every time they draw a bow. This is why it takes great stamina as well as boldness to become an archer.

The greatest barrier to the Korean national archery team’s goal of winning all gold medals at the Asian Games is Japan, whose skills have improved rapidly after hiring a Korean coach. Korea lost to Japan in the coed final at the Antalya 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup in May.

But the Korean team is still confident. “Only two players per country are allowed to participate in individual matches since Korean team often sweep gold, silver and bronze medals,” Korean female archery team coach Park Sang-do said. “We have decided to give the bronze to other countries because our goal is to win all gold medals.”

The Korean national archery team is participating in the Berlin 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 4 to prepare for the Asian Games.