New Delhi: India's compound archery coach Dave Cousins has reportedly threatened to quit and leave the country after going more than three months without receiving his salary, casting a shadow over the program's recent milestone achievements.
Cousins, an American former world number one appointed as India's chief compound coach in May, successfully guided the national team to a historic performance at the Asian Games, including securing the discipline's first-ever Olympic quota. Under his guidance, the squad captured three gold medals and one bronze, highlighted by a dramatic mixed-team victory over South Korea by Sahil Jadhav and Chikitha Taniparthi.
Despite delivering immediate success following his appointment to build the program toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, sources indicate Cousins has expressed deep frustration over his treatment and lack of payment since taking charge. The 49-year-old coach stepped into the role following the departure of Sergio Pagni.
Officials from both the Archery Association of India and the Sports Authority of India acknowledged the financial delay but blamed it on technical banking complications. Dr. Joris Paulose Ummacheril, treasurer of the AAI, stated that the matter has been worked out and that the outstanding dues would be settled within a couple of days. A SAI official echoed this explanation, confirming that processing is underway to resolve the issue with the bank.
Meanwhile, the federation is simultaneously holding discussions with multiple Olympic gold-winning South Korean coach Park Chae-soon to potentially lead the recurve program ahead of the 2028 Games. The unfolding payment dispute with Cousins arrives at a critical juncture as Indian archery attempts to maintain its competitive momentum on the international stage.