Our Bureau
Shanghai
India’s women’s recurve team pulled off a stunning upset against home favourites China to win gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 on Sunday. Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and teenager Kumkum Mohod defeated the Chinese trio of Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei, and Yu Qi 5-4 in a tense shoot-off after the four-set regulation ended 4-4.
India grabbed the first set but trailed 2-4 before fighting back. In the shoot-off, 17-year-old Kumkum shot a perfect 10, Ankita added a 9, and veteran Deepika sealed it with another crucial 9, winning 28-26. Deepika, a four-time Olympian, delivered under pressure for India’s first women’s recurve team World Cup gold since 2021.
The path to gold was tough. India shocked 10-time Olympic champions South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals. Deepika, who has seven World Cup team golds since 2010, led the charge in this title win, their first podium in three years.
India ended with two medals. Sahil Jadhav won bronze in men’s individual compound on Saturday. Simranjeet Kaur missed bronze after losses to top South Koreans Kang Chae-young and Jang Min-hee.
This victory boosts India’s archery hopes ahead of major events. The team showed great nerves in front of a roaring Chinese crowd.
