India's women's recurve archery team won a historic gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 on Friday, defeating mighty South Korea 5-3 in the final at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — hours after beating China 5-1 in the semifinal.
The trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti and Kumkum Anil Mohod held their nerve against a Korean side featuring reigning world champion Kang Chae-young alongside Lee Yunji and Oh Yejin. With the win, India's medal tally at the Games rose to 67, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.
How the final was won
Shot in challenging, windy conditions at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park, the first two sets were tied — both sides posting 54 and 56 points respectively. The Koreans then faltered in the third set, hitting three consecutive 8s for a combined 52, while the Indian archers shot 55 to take the set.
In the decisive fourth set, Korea scored 54 points. Kirti opened with an 8 that was later upgraded to a 9, taking India's total to 54 and forcing a draw — enough to seal the gold medal 5-3.
Semifinal route
Earlier on Friday morning, the Indian trio had stormed into the final with a commanding 5-1 semifinal win over China. After trailing 25-26 in the opening set, India closed strongly to take it 53-51, followed by a 54-52 second set sealed by Kumkum's final-arrow 10, before drawing the third set 51-51.
India will have further medal chances in recurve archery on Friday, with the mixed team and men's team semifinals also scheduled — contests that carry added significance in the context of LA 2028 Olympic qualification.
Sources:
- Asian Games 2026: Indian Women's Recurve Archery Team Wins Gold, Defeats South Korea 5-3 in Final — Lokmat Times
- Asian Games 2026 Live Day 13: India beat South Korea to win historic women's recurve team gold — The Economic Times
The trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti and Kumkum Anil Mohod held their nerve against a Korean side featuring reigning world champion Kang Chae-young alongside Lee Yunji and Oh Yejin. With the win, India's medal tally at the Games rose to 67, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.
How the final was won
Shot in challenging, windy conditions at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park, the first two sets were tied — both sides posting 54 and 56 points respectively. The Koreans then faltered in the third set, hitting three consecutive 8s for a combined 52, while the Indian archers shot 55 to take the set.
In the decisive fourth set, Korea scored 54 points. Kirti opened with an 8 that was later upgraded to a 9, taking India's total to 54 and forcing a draw — enough to seal the gold medal 5-3.
Semifinal route
Earlier on Friday morning, the Indian trio had stormed into the final with a commanding 5-1 semifinal win over China. After trailing 25-26 in the opening set, India closed strongly to take it 53-51, followed by a 54-52 second set sealed by Kumkum's final-arrow 10, before drawing the third set 51-51.
India will have further medal chances in recurve archery on Friday, with the mixed team and men's team semifinals also scheduled — contests that carry added significance in the context of LA 2028 Olympic qualification.
Sources:
- Asian Games 2026: Indian Women's Recurve Archery Team Wins Gold, Defeats South Korea 5-3 in Final — Lokmat Times
- Asian Games 2026 Live Day 13: India beat South Korea to win historic women's recurve team gold — The Economic Times
