Asian Games / Indian Women's Recurve Team Stuns Mighty Korea to Win Historic First-Ever Asian Games Gold

New Delhi, Oct 2: The Indian women’s recurve team of Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti stunned 10-time champions South Korea to secure a historic first-ever gold medal in the event at the Asian Games.

Making their maiden appearance in the women’s recurve team final at the Asian Games, the Indian trio held their nerve in challenging conditions to register a 5-3 victory over the formidable Koreans at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square.

In 2010 and 2022, India had won a bronze medal after losing in the semi-final. Notably, the Korean team had not lost a final except for the inaugural Asian Games in 1982 until Friday.

India earlier defeated China 5-1 in the semi-final to enter their first-ever recurve team final.

The first set was evenly contested, as both teams scored 54-54 each to tie the set, taking one point apiece.

Korea began the second set strongly with scores of 10, 9, and 9. India responded with 10 before Kirti scored 8, followed by Ankita, who made a crucial shot of 10. Korea then shot 10 and two 9s. Ankit managed to hit one right at the centre, but Kirti followed with an 8, putting pressure back on the 17-year-old Kumkum, who shot brilliantly, scoring a 10 to tie the set, bringing the scores to 2-2.

Also Read: India Beat Pakistan 4-3 in Thriller, March Into Asian Games Hockey Final

Korea opened the third set with an 8 but responded with a 10 and 9 on its next two attempts. India began with a 10 before following it with two 9s. Korea then faltered, registering three consecutive 8s, giving India a clear opportunity to take the set.

India responded with an 8 and a 9 before Kumkum produced a crucial 10 with the final shot to clinch the set and put India 4-2 ahead.

The fourth set began with Korea scoring two 9s and a 10. India, meanwhile, managed two 8s before adding a 9. Korea then shot 8, 9 and 9, leaving the contest finely poised.

With the set on the line, Kirti opened India’s final sequence with a 9, followed by another 9 from Ankita. Kumkum then delivered a 10 with the last arrow to level the set and seal a 5-3 victory for India.

(IANS)