In a tense final at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park, India’s women’s recurve squad edged South Korea 5-3 to claim the nation’s first Asian Games gold.
The match opened with two tied sets, 54‑54 and 56‑56. In the third, Korea’s three consecutive 8s left them scrambling, while India’s steady 55 secured a 4‑2 lead.
Kirti Sharma’s opening 8—later upgraded to a 9 on review—lifted India to 54 in the fourth set, sealing the 5‑3 win. She told reporters, “This medal is for our parents, their sacrifices, and every girl dreaming of the field.” Her veteran teammate Ankita Bhakat, who battled years of hardship, added, “Training for pressure paid off.” And 17‑year‑old Kumkum Mohod, who began with a bamboo bow, said, “I visualised this moment; it’s part of the process.”
The triumph elevates India into the upper echelon of Asian archery and paves the way for Kumkum’s individual showdown on Saturday. The country’s archery future looks brighter than ever.