China launches selection of archers for Rio Olympics

The Chinese national archery team launched selection games on Friday to choose archers from 101 competitors for Rio Olympic Games.

According to the organising committee, the national archery athletes will be selected on the scores of international contests, national matches and a fitness test, reports Xinhua.

The first round in Putian will last till April 10 when 24 archers will be listed. The second and third round will be followed as various games go on.

Mu Yong, head of the national team, said the final list of six archers for Rio would be released next June.

"Before that, we need to play well at world archery championships in Denmark this July to win the qualified seats of Olympics," said Mu.

Mu said Chinese national team is very young with an average age of 23 to 24. Many talented archers stand out and become competitive.

"We are still inches behind South Koreans," said Mu.

"Our young archers lack experience, especially when the game goes up and down. They need to be more steady and confident, with better psychological control over their emotion.

"We also prepare the special training with different weather conditions, especially in the rainy and windy days."