NEW DELHI: India delivered a commanding performance to defeat powerhouse South Korea 5-1 and clinch the recurve mixed team gold medal at the third stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya on Sunday.
The Indian pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Anil Mohod outclassed Korea’s Oh Yejin and Kim Je Deok, ending the East Asian nation’s hopes of another title with a clinical display in the final, according to worldarchery.sport.
South Korea entered the contest as overwhelming favourites, having dominated the mixed team discipline on the global stage and won both Olympic gold medals since the event was introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Games. However, the Indian duo showed remarkable composure to seize control of the final from the outset.
Bommadevara and Mohod raced into a 4-0 lead after the opening two ends, putting the Koreans under immediate pressure. Even though the Korean pair consistently found the nine-ring, India maintained their accuracy and momentum, with Bommadevara producing four perfect 10s during the match.
Korea attempted a comeback in the third end, delivering an impressive 39-point round that included two Xs from Olympic champion Kim Je Deok. However, the Indian archers matched the challenge with an equally strong response to secure the decisive set point and seal a memorable 5-1 victory.
The triumph marked a significant achievement for the Indian pair, particularly for 17-year-old Mohod, who was competing in a mixed team gold medal match on the World Cup circuit for the first time. While Bommadevara, the 2025 Asian champion, brought greater international experience to the contest, the young partnership displayed maturity beyond their years against one of the sport’s most successful nations.
