Nagoya: Indian women’s recurve archery team produced a sensational performance to clinch its maiden Asian Games gold medal, defeating the mighty South Korea in the final here on Friday.
The Indian team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma and Kumkum Mohod, outplayed the 10-time Olympic champions 5-3.
Playing in windy conditions, the first two sets were tied, with both teams scoring 54 and 56 points respectively to split the points.
It was largely the same Indian combination that triumphed in Shanghai, with Kirti replacing former world number one Deepika Kumari, who failed to qualify for the Asian Games through the selection trials.
The two teams traded the opening two sets, both finishing level at 54 and 56 points respectively, as neither side managed to gain an early advantage.
The Korean team, featuring Kang Chaeyoung, who was part of the Tokyo Olympics gold medal winning side, alongside Oh Yejin and Lee Yunji, then faltered in the third set, dropping three consecutive 8s to finish with 52 points.
India capitalised on the opening, shooting 55 to take the set and move 4-2 ahead.
Under pressure, Korea responded with 54 points in the fourth set. Kirti began with an 8, but the arrow was decisively upgraded to a 9 after review, taking India’s total to 54.
The scores were level, but that was enough for India to secure the set and complete a landmark victory over the formidable South Korean trio.
India had earlier defeated China 5-1 in the semifinal to storm into their first Asian Games final.
The women’s recurve triumph is India’s fourth archery gold at the Games, following titles for the men’s compound, women’s compound and mixed compound teams.
The Indian women’s recurve team had won bronze at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
