Indian Women Archers Assure Medal After Stunning Win Over Korea

India experienced contrasting fortunes at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Thursday as the women’s recurve team secured the country’s first medal with a remarkable semifinal victory over South Korea, while the men’s team crashed out in the opening round.

The Indian women’s team comprising Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and teenage talent Kumkum Mohod defeated the record 10-time Olympic champion South Korean side 5-1 in the semifinals.

The impressive win guaranteed India at least a silver medal and set up a gold medal clash against hosts China on Sunday. The Indian trio displayed composure and consistency against a relatively new-look Korean team to register one of the standout results of the tournament.

However, the men’s recurve team endured a disappointing outing as veterans Tarundeep Rai, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Yashdeep Bhoge suffered a 2-6 defeat against Bangladesh in the opening round.

The Indian men failed to win a single set during the contest and struggled to match Bangladesh’s consistency, resulting in an early exit from the competition.

The contrasting performances highlighted both the growing strength of India’s women’s recurve squad and the challenges facing the men’s team at the international level.