New Delhi: India’s women’s recurve team delivered a composed and clinical performance to win gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Sunday, defeating hosts China in a nail-biting shoot-off to cap off an impressive tournament run.
The Indian trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod edged out China 5-4 (28-26) after the four-set regulation ended level. In the deciding shoot-off, experienced campaigner Deepika Kumari held her nerve to score a crucial 9 on her final arrow, securing the title and ending India’s four-year wait for a World Cup gold.
The road to the final was equally impressive. India knocked out South Korea – 10-time Olympic champions – in the semi-finals, a result that underlined the team’s growing confidence on the international stage, according to worldarchery.sport.
It was India’s second medal of the tournament. Compound archer Pravin Jadhav had earlier set the tone with a bronze medal in the individual event on Saturday.
India’s medal hopes are not over yet. Recurve archer Simranjeet Kaur is set to compete in the individual semifinals later on Sunday, with a spot in the final – and a potential maiden World Cup medal – within reach.
