India Appoints Dave Cousins as Chief Compound Archery Coach Ahead of LA 2028

India has officially appointed Dave Cousins as the chief coach for its compound archery team, gearing up for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. This marks Cousins' first international coaching role after a successful career in archery. The decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with former coach Sergio Pagni. With only one experienced archer in the squad, Cousins faces a significant challenge. A training camp is planned to prepare the team, while the search for a recurve coach continues. Read on to discover more about this pivotal appointment and its implications for Indian archery.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 17:29 IST

New Leadership in Indian Compound Archery

In preparation for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, where compound archery will be featured for the first time, India has named former world champion Dave Cousins as the chief coach for the compound archery team. Cousins, who has an impressive coaching background in the USA, is expected to join the team within two weeks, just ahead of the Stage 3 World Cup scheduled in Antalya next month. This marks his inaugural international coaching role after a successful competitive career spanning over twenty years.

The Archery Association of India (AAI) is optimistic that Cousins will align well with their long-term objectives, especially with compound archery making its Olympic debut at LA 2028, albeit only in a mixed team format. This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with former coach Sergio Pagni, who had previously led India to five gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Dr. Joris Paulose Ummacheril, treasurer of AAI, confirmed the appointment, stating, "Yes, he has been finalised as the compound coach and we have some paperwork formalities to complete." The contract is set to last until the LA Olympics, with Cousins receiving a monthly salary of USD 12,000 and 60 days of annual leave, including 30 paid days.

Pagni's demands for a significant salary increase led to the breakdown of negotiations, and he has since taken a position as the technical head coach for South Korea's compound archery team. Dr. Ummacheril added, "If all goes well, he will join the side before the Stage 3 World Cup in Antalya from June 9 to 14." Cousins will face the challenge of coaching a relatively inexperienced Indian compound squad, with only Jyothi Surekha Vennam having significant experience from the recent SAI trials in Sonepat.

To facilitate the transition and prepare the new team, India plans to conduct a seven-day training camp that will include the archers' personal coaches. Dr. Ummacheril mentioned, "He has suggested we need to have a seven-day coaching camp before the tournament. Personal coaches will also be there in the camp, so we feel there won't be an issue." Additionally, a preparatory camp will be held in Kurobe, Japan, to help the archers acclimatize before the Asian Games.

Ongoing Search for Recurve Coach

In other news, the search for a foreign recurve coach has not progressed, as renowned Korean-American coach Kisik Lee declined the federation's offer due to salary concerns. The AAI is now considering the option of hiring "guest coaches" for short-term engagements leading up to major competitions, and there is a possibility that Lee may take on a part-time consulting role with the Indian team.