Indian women's recurve team staged a stunning upset at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Thursday, defeating South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals to secure a medal and advance to the gold medal match. The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and teenager Kumkum Mohod overpowered the Korean team of Lee Yunji, Oh Yejin, and reigning world champion Kang Chaeyoung to set up a final against second-seeded China on Sunday.

How the women's recurve triumph unfolded

India's dominance was evident from the opening set, where the Indian trio edged out Korea to seize an early advantage. The second set ended level at 56-56, leaving India with a 2-1 lead in set points. In the decisive third set, India mirrored their first-set excellence, opening with two 9s before closing with three consecutive 10s and an X — a run that sealed the match and confirmed their spot in Sunday's final.

Men's recurve team's early exit

In sharp contrast, India's men's recurve team comprising Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Yashdeep Sanjay Bhoge suffered an opening-round elimination after losing 2-6 to Bangladesh. The loss marks a disappointing early exit for the squad at the Shanghai event.

Compound archers' mixed results

India's compound contingent delivered a mixed performance across team events. The men's compound team of Ojas Pravin Deotale, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav, and Kushal Dalal — ranked world no. 1 — fell short in the semifinals, losing 234-235 to the USA team of Gaius Carter, world record holder James Lutz, and Louis Price. They subsequently dropped the bronze medal match to China after two shoot-offs, with the Chinese trio of Shi Jingyu, Liu Jinyi, and Qi Xiangshuo clinching the podium place by converting two Xs to India's one in the 10-ring during the final shoot-off.

Other team eliminations

The women's compound team of Aditi Gopichand Swami, Pragati, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam exited in the quarterfinals, losing 227-233 to Turkey's Hazal Burun, Defne Cakmak, and Emine Rabia Oguz. The compound mixed team of Ojas and Aditi Gopichand Swami suffered a narrow 156-157 quarterfinal loss to the USA pair of Alexis Ruiz and James Lutz. The recurve mixed team of Ankita and Dhiraj fell 5-4 to Brazil's Ana Luiza Sliachticas Caetano and Marcus D'Almeida in the opening round.

What's next

India's women's recurve team will face China in the final on Sunday with an opportunity to claim gold at the Shanghai stage. The strong performance by Deepika, Ankita, and Kumkum offers a bright spot amid the broader mixed results for Indian archers at the World Cup Stage 2.