New Delhi: India’s women’s recurve team delivered a sensational performance to defeat record 10 time Olympic champions South Korea and book a place in the final of the Archery World Cup Stage 2 on Thursday. The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenage archer Kumkum Mohod defeated the Korean side 5-1 in the semifinals to assure the country of its first medal of the tournament.
The Indian team displayed remarkable composure throughout the contest and will now face second seeded China in the gold medal clash on Sunday.
India made an aggressive start in the semifinal, scoring four perfect 10s from six arrows to comfortably take the opening set 58-55. The Korean team struggled to settle into rhythm early in the match, giving India a strong advantage.
The second set was closely fought, but India held firm to secure a 56-56 tie and extend their lead to 3-1. With victory within reach, the Indian trio produced another impressive round in the third set, once again scoring 58. South Korea managed only 56 under pressure, allowing India to complete a memorable straight sets victory.
The Korean squad featured several inexperienced archers as part of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan later this year. Debutants Lee Yunji and Oh Yejin were included alongside reigning world champion Kang Chaeyoung, while several established Olympic stars were absent from the lineup.
Earlier in the competition, India overcame Uzbekistan 6-2 after recovering from a slow start in the opening round. The quarterfinal against Vietnam proved far more challenging, with India eventually prevailing 5-4 in a tense shoot off. Under pressure, the Indian team produced a composed 28-25 score in the decider to secure victory.
While the women impressed, India’s men’s recurve team suffered a disappointing first round exit against Bangladesh. Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Yashdeep Bhoge struggled throughout the contest and failed to win a single set in the 2-6 defeat.
Bangladesh maintained control across the match and produced a strong final set score of 57 to seal a convincing win over the Indian side.
