India’s women’s recurve team produced a stunning comeback under pressure to defeat hosts China in a dramatic shoot-off and win the gold medal at Stage 2 of the Archery World Cup in Shanghai on Sunday. The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenage sensation Kumkum Mohod overcame the home side 5-4 after prevailing 28-26 in the tie-breaker following a fiercely contested final that ended 4-4 after regulation.
The triumph carried extra significance for the Indian side, which had earlier knocked out powerhouse South Korea — winners of 10 Olympic gold medals in the discipline — in the semifinals. It marked India’s first women’s recurve team title at a World Cup event since 2021.
Deepika, a veteran of India’s successful World Cup campaigns in Guatemala City and Paris in 2021, added another milestone to her decorated career, claiming her seventh World Cup team gold medal overall. The medal also ended a three-year wait for the Indian women’s recurve team at the World Cup level, with their previous podium finish coming in Paris in 2023.
India’s medal tally in Shanghai had already begun on a positive note after compound archer Sahil Jadhav secured bronze a day earlier. The country also remained in the hunt for another medal, with Simranjeet Kaur reaching the recurve semifinals and moving within touching distance of her first individual World Cup podium finish.
DEEPIKA SHINES FOR INDIA
Competing without a permanent national coach due to the ongoing uncertainty around appointments, the Indian women relied heavily on Deepika’s leadership and experience throughout the contest. While designated coach Prafull Dange stayed mostly on the sidelines, Deepika constantly encouraged and guided the team during crucial moments against a partisan crowd and an energetic Chinese support staff.
China fielded a young lineup featuring Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei and teenage archer Yu Qi, all relatively new to the World Cup circuit. India started strongly and narrowly captured the opening set 54-53, with Deepika leading the way through consecutive 10s. Ankita and Kumkum, however, showed signs of inconsistency early on.
The momentum shifted in the second set. Although India briefly held an advantage midway through the round, China responded with a superb finish to register 55 points. India faltered at the end, and Deepika’s final arrow landed in the 7-ring, allowing the hosts to level the scores at 2-2.
China then edged ahead in the third set after a successful review upgraded one of their arrows from an 8 to a 9, giving them a slender 57-56 set win and a 4-2 overall lead.
India looked headed for defeat in the fourth set despite Deepika rediscovering her accuracy with a pair of 10s. Kumkum’s final attempt landed in the 7-ring, leaving India with a total of 54 and China requiring a strong finish to seal the title.
The hosts moved within touching distance of victory after Zhu and Huang fired perfect 10s, leaving young Yu Qi needing only a 9 with the final arrow. Under immense pressure, however, the teenager managed only an 8, opening the door for India and sending the match into a shoot-off.
India responded brilliantly in the decider. Ankita began with a composed 9 before Kumkum delivered a clutch 10. With the title within reach, Deepika calmly shot a 9 to secure the gold medal and cap off a memorable comeback victory.
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