India Stuns Korea to Win First Recurve Team Gold in 18 Years

By Harshit - Nov 14, 2025 06:59 PM
Last updated on Nov 14, 2025 06:59 PM

India’s men’s recurve archery team achieved a monumental milestone as they clinched a historic gold medal after an 18-year wait, defeating the mighty South Korean side in a nail-biting shoot-off at the Asian Archery Championships. The dramatic win not only broke a long-standing drought but also reaffirmed India’s growing prominence in global archery. What made this victory even more compelling was the resilience shown by the Indian trio, who fought back from a tough deficit before turning the match around.

This triumph added to India’s impressive medal tally at the championships, which already included an outstanding haul of four gold and two silver medals across recurve and compound categories. As the nation celebrated the win, the atmosphere within the Indian camp was filled with pride and emotion. For coach Rahul Banerjee, a former gold medallist himself, the moment carried special significance — a full-circle achievement that tied his past glory to the present generation’s success.

The match, the performance, and the journey behind this victory revealed a fascinating blend of grit, precision, strategy, and emotional strength. As the team now looks toward the Asian Games, this gold medal stands as a reminder of how far Indian archery has come and how much potential remains ahead.

The Historic Win After 18 Years

India’s recurve men’s team of Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, and Rahul delivered one of the most sensational performances in recent history by defeating South Korea, a country known for its dominance in archery. The match went down to the wire, with India fighting back from a 2-4 deficit to first level the score and then clinch the match in a nerve-wracking shoot-off.

South Korea’s team — comprising Seo Mingi, Kim Yechan, and Jang Jiho — had been in control until India bounced back with exceptional accuracy and composure. The shoot-off saw both teams scoring 29 points, but it was Atanu Das’s perfect 10, closest to the center, that sealed the gold for India. With this, India won their first men’s recurve team gold at the Asian Championships since 2007, ending Korea’s dominance in the event since 2009.

The Turning Point in the Match

The final match was filled with shifts in momentum, intense pressure, and moments where the balance could have tipped either way. Both teams opened with identical 56 points in the first set, after which Korea maintained pressure, matching India’s performance shot for shot. The second set again ended in a tie, keeping the battle evenly poised.

It was the third set where Korea pulled ahead, scoring 57, while India faltered with multiple 8s, falling behind on the scoreboard. With a 2-4 deficit, India needed something extraordinary — and they delivered. The fourth set saw India produce two brilliant 10s early on, and their consistency pushed them to a 57-53 win, leveling the match at 4-4 and forcing the decisive shoot-off.

A Shoot-Off Filled with Drama and Precision

The shoot-off, often the most pressure-filled moment in team archery, showcased India’s calmness and readiness for the big stage. Both teams scored 29 points, but the difference came down to the fineness of execution. Atanu Das’s arrow — a perfect 10 — landed closer to the center than Korea’s shot, giving India the historic victory.

This moment marked not just a win but a passage into history. The crowd’s anticipation, the players’ composure, and the razor-thin margin created a conclusion worthy of the decades-long wait.

India’s Growing Medal Tally and Dominance in Compound Events

With this victory, India’s total medal count at the championship increased to four gold and two silver medals. The compound archers had already made the country proud with three gold and two silver medals, continuing their consistent international performance.

A standout among the compound performers was Jyothi Surekha Vennam, who added both team and individual gold medals to her illustrious career. Her precision and consistency reaffirm her status as one of India’s most successful archers on the global stage.

A Special Moment for Coach Rahul Banerjee

The triumph held a deeply personal significance for recurve team coach Rahul Banerjee. He was part of the team that won the gold back in 2007, along with Mangal Singh Champia and Jayanta Talukdar. To witness India reclaim the title 18 years later — this time as a coach — was a dream fulfilled.

Banerjee spoke emotionally about how he and Atanu Das had discussed the long wait for a gold medal and how satisfying it was to finally break the drought. He credited the team’s mental strength, discipline, and refusal to choke under pressure as the key reasons behind the win.

Korea’s Rising Talent and India’s Prepared Strategy

Though Korea was not fielding Olympic champion Kim Woojin, their lineup included powerful young talents like national trials topper Seo Mingi and Chengdu University Games gold-medallist Kim Yechan. Coach Banerjee clarified that despite missing top names, the Koreans remained formidable, with minimal difference between their top five archers — a trademark of their legendary depth.

India’s strategy revolved around staying focused, avoiding panic under pressure, and taking advantage of every opening. This disciplined approach ultimately paid off and revealed the growing maturity in the Indian recurve squad.

India’s Path Forward: More Medals in Sight

The success doesn’t end with the men’s recurve team. India is poised for more medals in the individual events as well. Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Sangeeta have reached the women’s semifinals, while Dhiraj Bommadevara and Rahul have advanced in the men’s category.

The combined progress of both recurve and compound squads showcases the depth and strength of India’s archery ecosystem. With major international tournaments ahead — including the Asian Games — this performance has boosted expectations and strengthened India’s position as a rising powerhouse in world archery.

A Historic Moment That Redefines Indian Archery

India’s stunning victory over Korea is more than just a medal — it is a statement. A statement that years of hard work, improved infrastructure, and strong mentorship are finally bearing fruit. It is a reflection of a new era where India is no longer the underdog but a genuine contender against archery giants like Korea.

As the celebrations continue and the nation beams with pride, the focus shifts to upcoming championships and the long-term goal of global dominance. For now, the team, the coaches, the federation, and archery fans across the country can rejoice in a victory that was 18 years in the making — a moment that will be remembered for generations.

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