Indian Women’s Archery Team Beat 10-time Champions South Korea 5-3 to Claim First-Ever Asian Games Recurve Gold

India’s women’s recurve archery team defeated 10-time champions South Korea 5-3 to win the country’s first-ever Asian Games gold in the event on Friday.

Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti produced a composed performance in difficult conditions at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square to secure the historic victory.

The gold also marked India’s first appearance in the women’s recurve team final at the Asian Games. India had won bronze in the event in 2010 and 2022 after losing in the semi-finals.

India Hold Their Nerve Against Korea

The opening set ended 54-54, with both teams taking one point each.

Korea started strongly in the second set, but India stayed within touching distance. After Kirti scored 8, Ankita struck a 10 before 17-year-old Kumkum delivered a 10 under pressure to level the set and make it 2-2.

India then took control in the third set. Korea dropped three 8s (24 points) in its final three shots, giving India an opening. India capitalised, with Kumkum sealing the set with a 10 to move 4-2 ahead.

Kumkum Delivers Under Pressure

The fourth set went down to the final shots. India initially struggled with two 8s (16-points), allowing Korea to stay in contention.

Kirti then scored 9, followed by another 9 from Ankita. With the title within reach, Kumkum held her nerve and hit a 10 to tie the set and secure the 5-3 victory.

The result ended Korea’s long-standing dominance in the women’s recurve team event. The Korean team had not lost an Asian Games final since the inaugural edition in 1982.

India had reached the final after beating China 5-1 in the semi-final, completing a landmark run to the country’s first women’s recurve team gold at the Asian Games.