Global learning, local impact: Indian coaches train in Lausanne

At 8h20 on a crisp Lausanne morning, a group of coaches from India step onto the metro, their destination familiar after a week of intensive learning: the World Archery Excellence Centre.

It is the final day of a programme designed to do more than teach technique. Over five days in the Olympic capital, 26 coaches – 20 men and six women – have taken part in World Archery’s entry-level coaching course, combining technical instruction, physical preparation and mental development.

Selected by the national archery federation of India as part of its investment in coach education, the group represents a new generation of mentors tasked with developing the sport at home. A second cohort will arrive in Lausanne the following week to take part in the intermediate-level course.

Delivered by expert coaches Tim Swane, Carlos Beato de Freitas and Christos Karmoiris, the programme blends online preparation with more than 50 hours of on-site learning. The focus is not only on how to teach archery, but how to build structured, engaging and safe environments for beginners.

Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of coaching, from organising “come-and-try” sessions to guiding athletes through the basic shot cycle. Emphasis is placed on posture, alignment and consistency, alongside understanding how people learn and how to adapt coaching to different individuals.

As the course progresses, coaches explore more advanced technical elements and are introduced to tools such as the “zero bow”, which allows beginners to focus on movement and technique without the distraction of aiming. Sessions also cover sports psychology, working with young athletes, physical preparation and the use of technology in training.

The aim is a holistic approach to coaching – one that equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to guide archers from their first arrows through to early competition.

For many, the experience is as much about perspective as it is about content.

Kamana Ashok Kumar, one of the six women selected, began her journey in archery in 2017 using a traditional Indian bow.

“I have learned a lot at the Excellence Centre,” she said. “I will use this knowledge in my academy to help more archers become number one in the country.”

Her story reflects the link between heritage and high performance in India, where traditional forms of archery continue to influence the modern sport.

For Pravin Parabati Sawant, the benefits extend beyond individual development.

“This was an extremely positive experience,” he said. “The facilities are great and experts were excellent in sharing their knowledge.  will apply what I learned not only with new archers but also help experienced athletes revisit the basics and refine their technique.”

That philosophy sits at the heart of the programme: strong foundations are essential at every level of the sport.

As the group prepares to return home, the impact of the week in Lausanne will extend far beyond the Excellence Centre – carried into clubs, academies and training grounds across India, where the next generation of archers will take their first shots.

Opportunities to take part in coaching courses at the World Archery Excellence Centre are available throughout the year, with registration open via the Centre’s website.