India Triumphs Over China to Secure Women's Recurve Team Gold at Archery World Cup

In a thrilling showdown at the Archery World Cup Stage 2, the Indian women's recurve team, featuring Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod, triumphed over China in a tense shoot-off to claim the gold medal. This victory marks India's first World Cup women's team gold since 2021, following a stunning semifinal win against South Korea. With Deepika leading the charge, the team showcased remarkable resilience and skill, culminating in a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As they continue their campaign in Shanghai, the team is also eyeing further success with Simranjeet Kaur competing for an individual medal.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 12:25 IST

Historic Victory for Indian Archers

The Indian archery team, featuring Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and young talent Kumkum Mohod, showcased remarkable composure during a nail-biting shoot-off, defeating the home team China to win the women's recurve team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 on Sunday.

The final was a rollercoaster of emotions, concluding with India narrowly winning 5-4 (28-26) in the shoot-off after the regulation four sets ended in a tie at 4-4.

This victory was particularly significant as it marked India's first World Cup women's team gold since 2021, following a stunning semifinal win against the formidable South Korean team, who have claimed the Olympic title ten times.

Deepika, a veteran archer who has been part of India's World Cup-winning teams in Guatemala City and Paris in 2021, now boasts a total of seven World Cup team gold medals since 2010.

This win also represents the Indian women's recurve team's first World Cup medal in three years, with their last podium finish occurring at Stage 4 in Paris in 2023, where Ankita was part of the victorious squad.

India's performance in Shanghai has already yielded two medals, with compound archer Sahil Jadhav earning a bronze medal on Saturday.

The team is still in the running for another medal, as recurve archer Simranjeet Kaur is set to compete in the semifinals, just one win away from her first individual World Cup medal.

Despite traveling without a full-time national coach due to ongoing appointment disputes, Deepika took charge, providing motivation and support to her teammates during critical moments.

Prafull Dange, the designated women's recurve coach, remained in the background while Deepika navigated the pressure against a passionate home crowd and vocal Chinese support staff.

Facing a youthful Chinese team, including Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei, and debutant Yu Qi, India initially took control but nearly lost their lead after winning the first set (54-53).

Deepika, shooting last for India, set a strong precedent with consecutive 10s, helping India secure the first set despite inconsistent performances from Ankita and Kumkum.

Continuing her excellent form, Deepika shot another perfect 10 in the second set, giving India a brief one-point lead (28-27). However, China responded with a strong finish, winning the set 55-52 and leveling the match at 2-2.

The Chinese team then took the lead in the third set, winning 57-56 after a review upgraded their final arrow, putting them ahead 4-2.

In a tense fourth set, despite Deepika's two 10s, India struggled, finishing with a modest 54. China needed two 10s and a 9 to win, but Yu Qi faltered, shooting an 8, which forced a shoot-off.

In the decisive shoot-off, India excelled at the crucial moment. Ankita opened with a 9, followed by Kumkum's impressive 10, and Deepika sealed the victory with a calm 9, clinching the title.