India Beats South Korea for First Asian Games Women’s Archery Gold

India captured its first-ever gold medal in the women’s team recurve archery event at the Asian Games, defeating powerhouse South Korea 5-3 in the final at Okazaki, Japan. The historic victory breaks a long-standing regional dominance by South Korea in the discipline.

Ankita Bhakat, Kirti, and Kumkum Anil Mohod Outlast South Korea in Windy Conditions

Competing under sunny but gusty conditions in Okazaki, both teams struggled initially to control the swirling wind. South Korean archers Lee Yunji and Indian archer Kirti each managed only 7 points on their opening arrows, leaving the first set tied at 54-54. The teams traded identical 56-point scores in the second set before India pulled ahead in the third. While South Korea’s Kang Chaeyoung, Lee, and Oh Yejin shot consecutive 8s on their final three arrows, the Indian trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti, and Kumkum Anil Mohod responded with an 8, 9, and 10 to take the set 55-51 and establish a 4-2 overall lead.

Nail-Biting Final Set Seals the Upset Victory for India

South Korea opened the fourth set strongly before faltering with an 8, 9, and 9 on their closing arrows. The Indian team capitalized instantly, finishing the set and the match with a clutch sequence of 9, 9, and 10 to seal the 5-3 victory. The win marks a watershed moment for Indian archery at the Asian Games, especially given South Korea’s historical grip on the recurve format.

Shifting Fortunes in the Archery Arena at the 20th Asian Games

While India celebrated its breakthrough gold in the women’s team event—adding to a broader campaign that included gold medals across men’s, women’s, and mixed team disciplines at the 20th Asian Games—South Korea faced an unusual drought. Up to the final three archery events in Okazaki, South Korea’s sole gold medal had come from Kim Jong-ho in the individual compound archery event.