India defeated China to win the gold The Indian women’s archery team made a thrilling comeback to win the gold medal at the 2nd leg of the Archery World Cup in Shanghai on Sunday. The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and 17-year-old Kumkum Mohod defeated hosts China 5-4 in a thrilling shootout after the match ended at 4-4 in four sets.The win was special for India as the team had earlier defeated mighty South Korea – the 10-time Olympic champions – in the semi-finals. It was also India’s first women’s team recurve World Championship gold since 2021 and their first medal in the category in three years.
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It’s official! Ahmedabad will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030Deepika, India’s most experienced archer, played a pivotal role throughout the competition. Traveling without a full-time national team coach, the senior archer constantly guided and motivated her younger teammates at crucial moments.India started strongly and won the opening set 54-53 with Deepika hitting back-to-back 10s to give the team confidence. But China quickly fought back. In the second set, India faltered as Kumkum managed only 8 and Deepika surprisingly shot 7 in the last arrow as China leveled the match at 2-2.The home team then led 4-2 after a check improved China’s last arrow from 8 to 9 in the third set.India looked close to defeat in the fourth set despite Deepika rediscovering her form with two perfect 10s. China needed just one final nine to win the title in front of their home crowd.But young Chinese archer Yu Qi shot 8 under pressure to give India a lifeline and force a shootout.India held their nerve brilliantly in the decider. Ankita opened with a 9, Kumkum followed with a brilliant 10 and Deepika calmly shot a 9 when only 8 was enough to secure the gold medal.
