Dhaka (Bangladesh), Nov 11 (NationPress) Prominent archers Deepika Kumari and Dhiraj Bommadevara made remarkable recoveries after initial challenges, securing India a robust medal tally at the Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka on Tuesday. Despite not qualifying for the team events after lackluster performance in the qualification rounds, both athletes found their rhythm in the individual eliminations and surged into the semifinals.

Olympic champion Deepika Kumari, the leading Indian archer, displayed her exceptional calmness and accuracy, defeating Korea's Lee Gahyun, the Shanghai World Cup gold medalist, with a score of 7-3, thereby earning her place in the semifinals. Deepika will now contend against fellow Indian Bhakat, guaranteeing at least one finalist for India in the women’s recurve category.

Also advancing to the semifinals were Ankita Bhakat and Sangeeta, who delivered impressive performances. Ankita shocked the top seed and former world champion Jang Minhee from Korea with a 6-4 victory, while Sangeeta triumphed over Iran's Zare Reyhane 7-1, setting up a semifinal match against Korea’s Nam Suhyeon.

With Deepika, Ankita, and Sangeeta progressing, India is poised for a historic clean sweep in the women’s recurve individual events.

In the men’s category, Dhiraj Bommadevara bounced back from a disappointing qualification, narrowly overcoming Uzbekistan's Amirkhon Sadikov in a tense shoot-off. After a 5-5 tie over four sets, both archers shot 10s in the final set, but Dhiraj’s arrow was closer to the bullseye, securing his spot in the semifinals against Korea’s Jang Chaehwan.

India's success continued with Rahul, the 11th seed, who defeated Lin Zih-Siang from Chinese Taipei 6-2. A misfire from his opponent in the fourth set paved the way for Rahul to advance to the semifinals, where he will face Korea’s Seo Mingi.

However, disappointment struck for top seed Yashdeep Bhoge, who faced a 4-6 defeat against local favorite Mohammad Rakib Mia in the pre-quarterfinals. Two-time Olympian Atanu Das also had an early exit, getting eliminated in his opening match.

In the compound events, India was represented by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Prithika Pradeep, both of whom advanced to the semifinals in the women’s division.

Prithika secured a win over compatriot Chikitha Thippeswamy 148-146, setting up a semifinal showdown with Bangladesh’s Most Kulsum Akther Mone. Meanwhile, Jyothi prevailed over Korea’s Oh Yoohyun 147-145 to earn a face-off with Si-Yu Chen from Chinese Taipei.

On the other hand, the men’s compound category ended in disappointment for India. Sahil Jadhav narrowly lost 147-148 to Korea’s Lee Eunho, while Prathamesh Fuge fell in a shoot-off against Choi Yonghee after a 148-148 tie, with the Korean’s arrow closer to the center.

Veteran Abhishek Verma, a bronze medallist from the last edition in Bangkok, was also eliminated after a close 148-149 loss to Malaysia’s Mohammad Juwaidi Mazuki. Earlier that day, Fuge had ousted Prathamesh Jawkar, who was returning to compound archery after a brief switch to recurve in pursuit of Olympic qualification.