Indian Recurve Men Shock South Korea, Win Asian Archery Gold

By Harshit - Nov 15, 2025 03:16 PM
Last updated on Nov 15, 2025 03:16 PM

In a historic moment for Indian archery, the men’s recurve team scripted a sensational comeback to clinch gold at the 2025 Asian Archery Championship in Dhaka. The trio of Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, and Rahul overcame a 2-4 deficit to defeat a strong South Korean second-string team comprising Seo Mingi, Kim Yechan, and Jang Jiho. This victory ended Korea’s long-standing dominance in the men’s team event, which had lasted since 2009, and marked India’s first gold in the category in 18 years.

The dramatic showdown showcased the resilience, skill, and composure of India’s archers under immense pressure. After trailing early in the match, the Indian team leveled the score 4-4, forcing a nail-biting shoot-off. Atanu Das, the two-time Olympian, hit a decisive 10 that landed closest to the center, securing a historic 5-4 win. The performance not only thrilled fans but also reinforced India’s growing prominence in recurve archery at the continental level.

Alongside this remarkable triumph, India’s overall performance at the championships has been stellar. The country’s archers have amassed multiple medals, with the compound squad returning three golds and two silvers. Jyothi Surekha Vennam completed a memorable double by winning both team and individual gold medals, highlighting the depth of talent across categories. The championships have become a platform for both seasoned archers and emerging stars to showcase their abilities on an international stage.

Thrilling Final: India vs South Korea

The men’s recurve final was a display of skill, nerve, and strategy. Korea began the match strongly with 56 points in the first set, which India matched arrow for arrow. The second set ended 56-all, though India briefly faltered with a shot landing in the red 7-point ring. At 2-2, Korea pulled ahead with a 57-point set, while India struggled, falling to 2-4.

India responded brilliantly in the fourth set, opening with consecutive 10s and finishing with a composed 57-53, leveling the score 4-4 and forcing the shoot-off. Both teams scored 29 in the tiebreaker, but Atanu Das’s precise shot sealed India’s historic victory. The match demonstrated India’s resilience, teamwork, and ability to perform under high-pressure scenarios against a strong opponent.

Coach Rahul Banerjee, a member of India’s 2007 championship-winning team, expressed immense pride in the squad. He emphasized the strategic preparation, the execution under pressure, and the significance of reclaiming gold after nearly two decades. The combination of experienced leadership and young talent was a key factor in India’s triumph.

Individual and Team Achievements

India’s medal haul extended beyond the men’s recurve team. The compound archers contributed significantly, winning three golds and two silvers. Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s outstanding performance in both individual and team events underscored India’s dominance in compound archery. The women’s recurve team, mixed team events, and individual performances from rising stars like Deepika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat added to the country’s impressive medal tally.

Emerging archers such as Sangeeta and Prithika Pradeep reached the semifinals, while Dhiraj Bommadevara and Rahul advanced to the men’s recurve last four. These performances highlight the growing depth of talent in Indian archery and the potential for continued success in international competitions.

Analysis of the Men’s Recurve Performance

The comeback against South Korea highlighted India’s strategic brilliance and technical precision. Despite trailing in the early sets, the Indian team remained composed and executed a series of perfect shots to level the match. Atanu Das’s crucial 10 in the shoot-off reflected not just his skill but also the team’s mental toughness and preparation.

Coach Banerjee noted that even though Korea did not field their top Olympic champion, the team was highly competitive, comprising talented archers like Seo Mingi and Kim Yechan. The Indian team’s ability to maintain focus, adapt to pressure, and perform consistently was instrumental in overcoming a formidable opponent and securing gold after 18 years.

The strategic approach involved balancing risk and precision in each arrow, ensuring maximum points while minimizing errors. This disciplined performance underlined the importance of preparation, coordination, and mental strength in achieving success at the highest levels of archery.

Significance of the Victory

The gold medal victory in Dhaka is a historic milestone for Indian men’s recurve archery. It ended Korea’s long-standing dominance and highlighted India’s emergence as a strong contender in the continental arena. The triumph also served as a morale booster for archers and coaching staff, inspiring confidence ahead of upcoming international events like the Asian Games.

The victory symbolizes the successful integration of experienced athletes and rising stars. With Banerjee’s guidance and Atanu Das’s execution, the team demonstrated mentorship, teamwork, and strategic execution. This championship win sets a benchmark for future Indian archery squads, encouraging them to aim for excellence and consistency in international competitions.

Future Prospects and Upcoming Competitions

Following the Asian Archery Championship, India’s focus will shift to upcoming events, including the Asian Games and other world-level competitions. Archers such as Atanu Das, Deepika Kumari, and the next generation of talent will aim to maintain this momentum and build on their success. Coaches and support staff are analyzing performance metrics to refine strategies for future tournaments.

Participation in high-pressure matches like this championship strengthens both technical and mental skills. Lessons from the Dhaka shoot-off, including handling tense situations and delivering under pressure, will be critical in shaping the next phase of Indian archery success and establishing India as a dominant force on the global stage.

Conclusion

The 2025 Asian Archery Championship will be remembered as a defining moment in Indian sports history. The men’s recurve team’s dramatic 5-4 victory over South Korea ended an 18-year wait for gold and demonstrated the talent, resilience, and strategic brilliance of Indian archers. Combined with the stellar performances of India’s compound archers, this championship solidified India’s reputation as a powerhouse in Asian archery.

With multiple medals across categories and promising performances from emerging archers, the future looks exceptionally bright for Indian archery. The combination of experience, precision, and mental toughness displayed in Dhaka sets the stage for continued success in international competitions, inspiring a new generation of athletes to achieve greater milestones and aim higher in the world of archery.

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