India Wins Olympic Quota, Compound Archery Coach Complains About Salary

India recorded a historic achievement in compound archery at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The team managed to secure India's first Olympic quota in this event, but this success was marred by problems with the payment of the salary of the head coach, Dave Cousins, which was reportedly delayed for more than three months.

Cousins, the coach from the United States who was appointed in May 2026, is reportedly disappointed with the situation. He is even said to have threatened to leave India if his salary arrears were not resolved immediately.

Four Historic Olympic Medals and Tickets

Under the direction of Cousins, the Indian compound archery team won three gold medals and one bronze at the 2026 Asian Games. These results show the team's achievements and pave the way for India to appear at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the compound event.

One important moment occurred when the pair Sahil Jadhav and Chikitha Taniparthi faced South Korea. After both pairs finish the match with the same score, 157–157, the winner is determined through a *shoot-off*. India finally won the duel and secured a historic Olympic quota for their country.

This achievement was an important part of the development of Indian compound archery. However, behind the positive competition results, the issue of payments to coaches has become a concern.

Salary Payments Still in the Spotlight

The Archery Association of India (AAI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) acknowledged that Cousins' salary payment was delayed. According to explanations from both parties, the problem was related to technical banking problems. They also stated that the payment issue was being addressed.

AAI said that the arrears are targeted to be completed in around two days. Meanwhile, SAI said the payment process was still ongoing. The source has not explained whether all of the arrears have been received by Cousins ​​after the statement was made.

This delay of more than three months is a problem in itself in the midst of preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Cousins' threat to leave India also raises concerns about ensuring support for coaches who handle national achievement programs.

Getting to Know Compound Archery

Compound archery is a type of archery that uses a bow with a pulley system to assist in the process of pulling and holding the bowstring. The system allows archers to maintain a draw with a lighter weight when aiming at a target.

In competition, archers try to collect as many points as possible by placing arrows as close as possible to the center of the target. In a draw situation, *shoot-off* can be used to determine the winner according to the applicable match rules.

Challenges towards the 2028 Olympics

Cousins ​​is a former archer who was once ranked number one in the world. He was also listed as the World Archery Championship champion in 1999 and 2003. His appointment as head coach of the Indian compound aims to help build a team capable of competing at international level ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

India's success in winning four medals and securing an Olympic quota is an important asset for the program. However, resolving the salary issue is still necessary so that the team's attention can be focused on preparing for the next competition and achievement targets.

Source: The Times of India, 9 October 2026