National archery: Dhiraj, Kumkum begin well

SHILLONG In tough weather conditions, World Cup Finals gold medallist B. Dhiraj and Asian Games champion Kumkum Mohod displayed their strong resolve to claim top spots in men’s and women’s recurve qualification rounds respectively on the inaugural day of the National archery championships at the Parade Ground here on Thursday. Dhiraj scored 680, comprising 24 Xs, the most by a mile, and 14 10s. Kumkum recorded 677, consisting of 10 Xs and 26 10s, to improve upon her previous career best total of 671.

The fickle weather switched from being sunny and warm to cloudy and windy before a bout of drizzle tested the archers thoroughly. The action was called off owing to bad light even before the day’s schedule could be completed. Dhiraj, who reached here at 10 p.m. on Wednesday night, recovered quickly to score 343 in the first segment before a change in schedule forced an unusually longer break of more than an hour.

He returned to shoot 337 in the second segment and took the top place by a slim margin of one point. “Because of the fluctuating weather, I got to learn so much in one day.