Asian Games 2026 archery: India stuns 10-time Olympic champions South Korea to claim recurve gold

Nagoya: India's women's recurve archery team delivered a sensational display to capture their maiden Asian Games gold medal on Friday, overcoming powerhouse South Korea in the final.

The Indian trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma, and Kumkum Mohod outperformed the 10-time Olympic champions 5-3.

Competing amidst challenging windy conditions, the opening two sets were shared as both teams posted scores of 54 and 56 respectively, to split the points.

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The Korean side, consisting of Kang Chaeyoung, Oh Yejin, and Lee Yunji, faltered during the third set, registering three consecutive 8s for a combined tally of 52, whilst the Indian archers responded with 55 to claim the set.

In the fourth set, Korea recorded 54 points. Kirti opened with an 8, which was subsequently adjusted to a 9, lifting India's total to 54, tying the set and securing the gold medal.

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The Indian team had earlier advanced to their first-ever Asian Games final after defeating China 5-1 in the semi-finals.

By comparison, the Indian women's compound team previously claimed the bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

PTI