The Korean archery expert awaits update on his contract. He was supposed to join the Indian camp in August

Navneet Singh

“The news of my joining the Indian camp spread like a wild fire. Even the World Archery put it black and white that I’m joining the Indian archery camp in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Kisik Lee, the celebrated archery coach, told Sportsbackstory.com over the phone from Australia.

“It has been more than eight weeks since I’ve not received any communication from the Archery Association of India (AAI) regarding my contract. I’m waiting,” the 67-year-old archery coach added.

Speaking to Sportsbackstory.com over the phone from Canberra in Australia, Lee says he is clueless why there was a delay.

The Korean archery coach, based out of Los Angeles, had some personal work in Australia and will fly back to the USA shortly.

While Lee has been waiting for an official communication from the Indian archery body, an official of the Indian archery federation says the proposal to appoint foreign archery coach is still pending with the SAI. “I can’t say when the SAI will approve the proposal to appoint Lee as head coach of the recurve Indian team,” said the archery official on the development.

Official contract

Lee had said he will not compromise on the monthly salary. It was one of the conditions Lee talked about before joining the Indian camp. His request for a monthly remuneration of $ 25,000 was approved in principle by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) — the technical wing of the Sports Ministry.

However, there were other technical details that Lee wanted to be included in the contract before overseeing training of Indian recurve archers. There were seven key issues that Lee had flagged and wanted to be included in the contract. “I have to spend time with my family. My daughter is settled in Australia. And, I also need time off from work,” says Lee.

Last year Lee lost his son. “My son was young. Just 42 years. It was very upsetting for the entire family and a big setback,” says Lee of the unfortunate incident. Because of the family issue, the Korean expert couldn’t go to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Lee has to conduct annual coaching seminars. “I’m doing global service to archery,” he adds. I’ve a company that conducts certification courses in archery for coaches.”

Seminar in Europe

Next month he will be conducting a seminar in Milan, Italy. “I was postponed last year due to personal issues,” he adds. “I’ve to conduct an archery camp in November in Los Angeles. It’s already scheduled. I can’t change that as seven countries have already registered.”

Therefore, the best time for Lee to join the Indian camp will be January next.

“I know my job. I need papers to start working. I know what I’ve to do in India. But without signing an official contract I just can’t buy a ticket and fly to India,” says Lee.