Excitement reached fever pitch when the news broke that Kazakh schoolchildren are going to be given free lessons in firing arrows at colourful circular boards.
Thinking that Littlermania had finally arrived in the country, I investigated, hoping to learn that dartboards were to be installed in schools up and down this country, with the aim not only of hitting a few magical 180s, but also of finding new talent that can excel at the world’s fastest-growing sport.
My Google search was all wrong. No dartboards are being unboxed anywhere by any teachers; this is a totally separate initiative, albeit a very good idea with a commendable motive: to promote a more active lifestyle among children and give them more opportunities to get involved in sport.
As the Caspian Post reports, citing Qazinform, archery lessons are to be made available to youngsters in secondary schools in every region of Kazakhstan, something which is expected to improve concentration, coordination, and self-discipline in those who get more seriously into it.
Backed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, together with regional and local authorities, this is seen as another sensible investment in the future of Kazakhstani sport; a way to give children the chance to find their true talent beyond simply kicking a ball around – hoped to become part of an entire infrastructure which trains champions.
To this end, the National Archery Federation of Kazakhstan and its President, Yedil Temirbekov, is working to ensure that those who excel will have the right opportunities to progress to specialised archery schools and receive the right training from any of the 95 currently registered coaches.
There is also a designated academy at the Kazakh National University of Sports in Astana, meaning that even more internationally competitive Kazakhstani sportspeople can be expected in this latest discipline over the coming years.
I still think we should give darts a serious go, though.
