Asian Games: India Beat South Korea 5-3 to Win First-Ever Gold in Women’s Recurve Team Event

New Delhi, Oct 2: The Indian women's recurve team has etched their names into the history books by clinching the country's first-ever gold medal at the continental competition. India defeated heavyweights South Korea 5-3 in a pulsating final on Friday morning.

The Indian team comprised experienced campaigner Ankita Bhakat and youngsters Kirti and Kumkum Mohod, while the Korean team included Kang Chae-young, Lee Yunji and Oh Yejin.

India's medal tally has climbed to 67, comprising 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze medals, following a dramatic victory in the women's compound archery team event.

Competing in challenging windy conditions, India and South Korea remained evenly matched through the opening stages of the final. Both teams scored 54 points in the first set, while the second set ended with each side registering 56, leaving the contest finely balanced.

The turning point came in the third set when the Korean trio, including reigning world champion Kang, struggled to maintain consistency. South Korea recorded three successive 8s, finishing the set with a total of 52 points. India, meanwhile, produced a stronger performance, scoring 55 to win the set and gain a crucial advantage.

The fourth set once again went down to the wire. South Korea accumulated 54 points, putting pressure on the Indian archers. Kirti began India's effort with an 8, but following a decisive score adjustment, her shot was upgraded to a 9. The correction lifted India's total to 54 points, matching South Korea's score in the set. The result secured the required draw and confirmed India's gold medal.

Earlier in the competition, India had defeated China 5-1 to book its place in the final against South Korea at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park. The Chinese team featured Yewei Huang, Qi Yu and Jingyi Zhu.

The triumph also marks a significant improvement from India's performance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the Indian women's compound archery team had secured the bronze medal. The latest victory adds another gold to India's growing medal haul and highlights the team's composure and consistency under pressure.