Archery will undergo a significant transformation at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games with the official inclusion of compound bow in the Olympic program. This addition, celebrated as a historic achievement by the archery community, will bring a key change in the qualification system: World Archery will reduce the number of recurve teams from 12 to eight, in order to maintain the total quota of 128 athletes.

The decision, approved by the executive board of the sport’s governing body, is part of the adjustments required to integrate an additional event without increasing the number of competitors. According to Tom Dielen, secretary general of World Archery, this change is essential to sustain the growth of the sport at the Olympic level without compromising its structural balance. The proposal will be submitted to the International Olympic Committee as part of the final design of the LA28 program.

Strategic Adjustments and Complementary Decisions

In addition to the cut in Olympic quotas, World Archery adopted a series of strategic measures during its latest meeting. Among them was the decision to postpone until 2027 the implementation of the minimum qualification standard for the Hyundai Archery World Cup, originally planned for 2026. The decision reflects feedback gathered from athletes and teams, and will be reviewed with the participation of athlete and coach committees.

It was also decided to delay until 2026 the awarding of hosting rights for the 2029 World Championships, Congresses, and World Cups, allowing the future leadership —which will take office after the 2025 World Congress in Gwangju, Korea— to evaluate bids with greater perspective. Meanwhile, Brazil and Mexico were confirmed as future hosts of Indoor Archery World Series events, while Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete as neutrals in team events at the 2025 Youth World Championships in Winnipeg, although they will remain excluded from senior team competitions.