Indian archery scripted one of its most thrilling victories in recent years as the women’s recurve team defeated hosts China in a dramatic shoot-off to win gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Sunday.

The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and 17-year-old Kumkum Mohod held their nerves under immense pressure to secure a 5-4 victory after an intense final that went right down to the wire. 

The victory marked India’s first Archery World Cup gold medal since 2021 and announced the return of Indian recurve archery on the global stage in emphatic fashion.

But what made the triumph even more remarkable was the path India took to reach the top. Before overcoming China in the final, the Indian team had already stunned 10-time Olympic champions South Korea in the semifinals — a result that sent shockwaves through the archery world.

A Final Filled With Drama

The gold medal clash against China was everything a major final should be—tense, emotional and unpredictable.

India started strongly and claimed the opening set, but the young Chinese team of Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei and Yu Qi quickly fought back. With both teams exchanging momentum across four sets, the contest ended level at 4-4, forcing a decisive shoot-off.

Every arrow suddenly carried enormous weight. Ankita Bhakat stepped up first for India and delivered a crucial 9. Teenage sensation Kumkum Mohod followed with a brilliant 10, putting India in a strong position. Then came the defining moment.

With India needing just an 8 to seal victory, veteran archer Deepika Kumari walked up for the final shot under immense pressure. Calm and composed, the four-time Olympian fired a 9 to complete a famous 28-26 shoot-off win.

The moment sparked celebrations across the Indian camp as the trio embraced after one of the country’s biggest recurve victories in years.

Deepika Kumari’s Experience Shines Again

For Deepika Kumari, the victory added yet another milestone to an already legendary career. The gold medal became her 39th Archery World Cup medal. After years of carrying Indian recurve archery on her shoulders, Deepika once again proved decisive when her team needed her most.

For Ankita Bhakat, it was the eighth World Cup medal of her career, while for Kumkum Mohod, the triumph marked her very first World Cup medal — a dream start for the teenager on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The victory also highlighted a promising blend of experience and youth in India’s recurve setup.

The Win Over South Korea Changed Everything

India’s journey to gold arguably began in the semifinals. Facing top seeds and 10-time Olympic champions South Korea — widely considered the most dominant force in world archery — India delivered a sensational 5-1 upset.

That victory instantly transformed India into serious contenders for gold and boosted the team’s confidence heading into the final. For years, South Korea has dominated international recurve archery, making India’s commanding semifinal win one of the tournament’s standout moments.

India concluded the Shanghai leg of the Archery World Cup with two medals overall. Compound archer Sahil Jadhav had earlier opened India’s account with a bronze medal in the men’s individual compound event.

A young Indian team defeating both South Korea and China on one stage is not just a tournament result — it is a statement that India can once again challenge the world’s best in recurve archery.