India Clinches Archery World Cup Mixed Team Gold in Stunning Victory Over Korea
Indian archers Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod secured a historic recurve mixed team gold at the Archery World Cup in Antalya. The duo defeated the South Korean pair 5-1, showcasing exceptional composure and cementing India’s growing dominance in international recurve archery competitions.
Highlights
- •Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod won the recurve mixed team gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 3.
- •The Indian duo defeated South Korea’s Olympic-level archers Kim Je-deok and Oh Ye-jin with a score of 5-1.
- •This victory marks the second time in two months that India has bested South Korean competitors in a major archery event.
- •The win provides significant momentum for the Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Games.
Indian archery is witnessing a significant resurgence on the global stage, highlighted by a stellar performance at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 held in Antalya. Olympian Dhiraj Bommadevara and teenage talent Kumkum Mohod demonstrated exceptional skill and composure to clinch the gold medal in the recurve mixed team event, notably defeating the formidable South Korean pair of Kim Je-deok and Oh Ye-jin. This Archery World Cup gold medal marks a milestone for the Indian duo, as they maintained their intensity to secure a 5-1 victory in the final sets (37-36, 37-36, 39-39).
Dominating the World Stage in Archery
The triumph in Antalya serves as a powerful statement for India's recurve archery prospects as the team prepares for the upcoming Asian Games. Despite facing South Korean archers—a nation historically dominant in the sport—the Indian pair remained unfazed. Seventeen-year-old Kumkum Mohod, who made her debut this season, showed remarkable maturity by prioritizing her performance process over the reputation of her opponents. Her partner, the 24-year-old Dhiraj Bommadevara, who currently holds the world No. 16 ranking, reinforced the team's victory with a perfect 10-point shot in the final arrow of the match.
This achievement builds upon the growing confidence within the Indian camp. Notably, this is the second time in just two months that Indian archers have overcome South Korean competitors in major international contests. Previously, the Indian women’s team consisting of Deepika Kumari, Kumkum Mohod, and Ankita Bhakat achieved a stunning victory against the South Korean team during the Shanghai World Cup, adding to the momentum of the current Archery World Cup season.
Strategic Team Bonding and Future Outlook
The success of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod is a testament to strong team chemistry. Following the victory, Dhiraj emphasized the mutual learning experience between him and his young partner, noting that the team's motto is to persist until the final arrow is released, regardless of the score. The pair's ability to maintain focus under high-pressure scenarios, such as the final set in Antalya, proved decisive.
This Archery World Cup gold medal also marks a long-awaited accomplishment for Dhiraj, who had previously secured bronze medals in mixed team events in 2024 and 2025. For Kumkum, the win follows a successful outing in Shanghai, cementing her status as a rising star in the sport. The performance has drawn appreciation for the support provided by the National Federation and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), as the nation looks forward to sustaining this success on the international circuit.
