Why is compound archery not a part of the Paris Olympics 2024 but recurve archery is?

Archery is one of the oldest sports in the world. It was used to hunt and become a part of warfare, but today it’s an Olympic sport. 

The addition of archery to the Olympics made it modern with time. Compound archery got an addition in the Sport along with the recurve archery. Compound archery has been added, like how different formats changed cricket over time, like T20.

Recurve archery debuted at the 1900 Summer Olympics, while compound archery still hopes to be included in the future.

The difference between recurve and compound archery

Recurve bows are the simpler and older of the two main types. In the Indian epics, Arjuna is forever linked to the elegance and skill of the recurve. On the other hand, modern recurve bows incorporate some technological advancements, but they still rely primarily on the archer’s strength and technique. 

Olympic archery has featured the recurve bow since 1900, with Korean athletes consistently dominating the sport in recent years.

Compound bows, on the other hand, are technological. Invented in the 1960s, they incorporate a system of cams and cables that significantly reduces the draw weight (the force required to pull back the string) while maintaining arrow velocity. This allows for greater accuracy and consistency, especially for archers with less upper-body strength.

India’s feat of compound archery

Indian players are excelling in compound archery. Last year, in August 2023, India became world champions in any category of archery for the first time, following the women’s compound archery team. The team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur won India’s first gold medal at the World Archery Championships. Aditi Swami and Ojas Deotale went on to win individual world championships. 

More on Olympics

Compound archery in other games

Compound archery has been included in other events, even though it is not part of the Olympics. The World Archery Championships (every two years) and Paralympics include both recurve and compound categories. Regional games, such as the Asian Games (held every four years), highlight compound archery’s global reach.

It is included as a sport in the World Games (held every four years) with the goal of future Olympic inclusion. Finally, the Archery World Cup (multiple stages each year) also includes both recurve and compound archers.

Compound archery is modern, not traditional

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) prioritises sports with a long and rich history. While archery itself is ancient, compound bows are a relatively recent invention. The IOC might view recurve archery as a purer test of skill and a better fit for the Olympic tradition.

Global approach to the game 

While gaining traction, compound archery isn’t yet as universally popular as the recurve. Also, the high cost of compound bows and equipment makes it hard for athletes from developing nations to afford them.

This lack of global accessibility might make the IOC hesitant to include it.

Limited Spectator Appeal

Archery is a famous sport, yet it doesn’t have a large fanbase like football, basketball, or athletics.

While the tension and precision are thrilling for archery enthusiasts, the spectator appeal of compound archery, with its focus on individual concentration, might be considered less exciting for a wider Olympic audience. 

The IOC planning to prioritise other sports

The competition for inclusion in the Olympics is tough. With limited slots available, the IOC might choose sports with a new concept or something with a bigger fanbase.