Shanghai, May 10 (HS): Indian compound archers delivered an impressive performance, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in the team events of the Archery World Cup Stage 2 here on Saturday.

The highlight of the medal chase was the gold won by the men’s team of Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Rishabh Yadav, who defeated Mexico 232-228 in a tense final.

India made a strong start by taking a 2-point lead with nearly flawless 59 points in the first set, while Mexico scored 57 points. In the second set, Mexico made a comeback with 58 points, while India equalized the match at halftime with 56 points, bringing the score to 115-115.

In the third set, India regained the lead with 58 points, while Mexico scored 57 points, giving the Indians a slight advantage of 173-172. The Indian trio maintained their composure in the crucial final moments and scored an impressive 59 points to win the gold medal, while Mexico could only manage 56 points.

In the women’s compound final, the team of Jyoti Surekha Vennam, Madhura Dhamnagaonkar, and Chikitha Taniparthy had to settle for the silver medal after losing to a strong Mexican team 221-234. It was a one-sided contest, but the Indian women showcased their strength throughout the tournament and secured a place on the podium.

In the medal table, Verma and Madhura’s Indian mixed team won the bronze medal by defeating Malaysia in the third-place playoff.

24-year-old Madhura, who had never won a World Cup medal before, is making her second appearance in the competition after a three-year hiatus. Her last appearance was at the 2022 Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Medellin. These results highlight India’s growing depth and consistency in compound archery on the world stage.

With compound archery set to make its Olympic debut featuring only the mixed team event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, India will aim to win its first medal in archery at this mega sporting showcase.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar