Teenager Kumkum Mohod clinched a historic gold medal in the women's individual recurve event at the Asian Games in Nagoya, defeating South Korea's Oh Yejin in a thrilling shoot-out.
Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, also securing an Olympic quota for LA 2028. Her victory over South Korea's Oh Yejin in a tense shoot-off has boosted India's confidence to challenge the long-standing Korean dominance in recurve archery. Mohod attributes her success to mental preparation, visualisation, and family sacrifices, and is now focused on securing her individual spot for the 2028 Olympics.
Indian teen archer Kumkum Mohod, 17, made history at the Asian Games by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve gold, alongside a team gold and mixed silver.
The Indian women's recurve archery team secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Games by defeating 10-time Olympic champions South Korea. The team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma, and Kumkum Mohod, displayed exceptional nerve in challenging conditions.
Indian archers returned from the Asian Games with a historic haul of 5 gold medals, 2 Olympic quotas, and other medals, celebrating their success and triumphs over global powerhouse South Korea. Coaches and athletes expressed elation, crediting rigorous training, teamwork, and a supportive ecosystem for their unprecedented performance.
India's recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma lost 3-5 to Italy, missing out on the bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. Kirti Sharma also failed to secure a medal in the individual recurve section, resulting in India's recurve archers returning empty-handed from the event. The overall campaign concluded with two medals (one silver, one bronze) from the compound section.
India concluded its Asian Games campaign in Nagoya with a creditable fourth place, securing 85 medals, including 21 golds. The final days saw a surge in gold medals, notably from the cricket and hockey teams, and historic individual wins by 17-year-old archer Kumkum Mohod and golfer Pranavi Urs.
Archery emerged as one of India's biggest success stories at the 2026 Asian Games, bringing in as many as five gold medals led by 17-year-old sensation Kumkum Mohod leading the way.
Suruchi Inder Singh won gold and Esha Singh won silver in the women's 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, boosting India to the top of the medal tally.
India's U-23 women boxers showcased a dominant performance at the Asian U-19 and U-23 Boxing Championships, with nine pugilists successfully advancing to the semifinals, thereby assuring a minimum of nine medals for the country. Several boxers secured convincing victories in their quarterfinal bouts.
India's women's recurve team secured a spot in the Archery World Cup Stage 2 final after defeating South Korea, while the men's team suffered an early exit against Bangladesh.
The Indian women's recurve archery team secured a medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2, defeating South Korea in the semi-final. However, the men's team faced a disappointing defeat against Bangladesh.
Indian archery faces poor planning and the absence of a full-time foreign coach as they prepare for the World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, raising concerns ahead of the Asian Games.
Olympian and reigning mixed team pistol World champion Esha Singh ended India's medal drought at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol, clinching gold in the women's 10 metres Air Pistol event in Ningbo, China, on Saturday.
Double Olympic bronze-medallist shooter Bhaker finished sixth in 25m pistol after entering the eight-shooter final placed fifth with an aggregate 'precision' and 'rapid fire' score of 588.
