South Korea’s dominance in international archery faced a regression at the 20th Asian Games, finishing the competition with three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals. The total marks a drop from the previous Games held three years prior, where South Korea captured four gold, four silver, and three bronze medals to finish second overall behind India.
Lee Secures Men’s Recurve Gold
South Korea’s campaign featured a standout performance from Lee, who claimed the individual men’s recurve gold medal by defeating Japan’s Junya Nakanishi 6-2 in the final. Lee opened the title match with two 10s before scoring an 8 in the second set to tie at 27-27, taking a 3-1 lead. After Nakanishi responded with two 10-point arrows in the third set, Lee answered with two 10-point shots to extend his advantage to 4-1, then secured the victory in the fourth set with two more 10-point shots. The victory marked Lee’s second gold medal of the Games, following a team recurve title won the previous day. South Korea’s only other archery gold at the event came from Kim Jong-ho in the men’s individual compound event.
India and Regional Rivals Shift the Medal Standings
The decline in South Korea’s medal count stems largely from the surging performance of rival nations. India maintained its form by capturing five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, repeating its medal total from the previous Asian Games and dominating the standings. India reinforced its strength in recurve archery by challenging South Korea’s supremacy. On October 3, the final day of competition, Kumkum Mohod won the women’s individual recurve gold to become the first Indian athlete to claim a medal in the event at the Asian Games. Earlier in the schedule, India secured its first-ever gold medal in the women’s team recurve event—a discipline in which South Korea had won every gold medal since the 1998 Asian Games. Meanwhile, China and Indonesia also secured one gold medal each during the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asian Games Archery Competition
How many total medals did South Korea win at the 20th Asian Games?
South Korea finished the archery competition with nine total medals: three gold, three silver, and three bronze.
Which Indian archer made history on the final day of competition?
Kumkum Mohod won the gold medal in the women’s individual recurve event on October 3, marking the first time an Indian athlete medaled in that specific Asian Games discipline.
When did South Korea previously lose the women’s team recurve gold medal at the Asian Games?
Prior to the 20th Asian Games, South Korea had won every gold medal in the women’s team recurve competition since the 1998 Asian Games.
Keep reading
