Jyothi Surekha, Deepika Kumari lead India's 16-archer squad for Shanghai World Cup Stage 2
Synopsis
India's archery contingent heads to Shanghai with unfinished business. After a one-medal Stage 1, the 16-archer squad — anchored by Deepika Kumari's 38-medal pedigree and buoyed by last year's seven-medal Shanghai haul — is positioned to reclaim form and secure vital World Cup Final qualification spots.
Key Takeaways
India fields a 16-member archery squad led by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Deepika Kumari for World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai ( 5–10 May 2026 ).
Over 300 archers from 44 nations compete for qualification spots toward the season-ending World Cup Final in Saltillo .
India won just one medal at Stage 1 in Puebla — women's compound gold — but harvested seven medals in Shanghai last year , including two golds .
Deepika Kumari carries 38 World Cup medals into the competition and earned bronze in Shanghai last year .
Men's compound team, which won gold in Shanghai last year , returns with Kushal Dalal , Ojas Deotale , Sahil Jadhav , and Abhishek Verma .
Recurve squad led by Olympians Atanu Das and Tarundeep Rai with emerging young talent.
India will deploy a 16-member archery contingent captained by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Deepika Kumari at the Archery World Cup 2026 Stage 2 in Shanghai, beginning 5 May. The second leg of the four-stage circuit draws over 300 archers from 44 nations, all vying for crucial qualification berths toward the season-ending World Cup Final in Saltillo later this year.
India's Stage 1 performance and Shanghai history
India enters Shanghai on the back of a modest opening act at Stage 1 in Puebla, where the contingent harvested just one medal — gold in the women's compound team event courtesy of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Madhura Dhamangaonkar, and Pragati. By contrast, Shanghai hosted a seven-medal haul for India last year, including two golds. Madhura Dhamangaonkar was the standout, claiming individual gold and a mixed team bronze with Abhishek Verma, while the women's compound team earned silver. The venue thus carries strong historical momentum for the Indian squad.
Men's compound: experience and pedigree
India's men's compound lineup — Kushal Dalal, former world champion Ojas Deotale, Sahil Jadhav, and Abhishek Verma — brings both depth and proven credentials. The same unit captured gold in Shanghai last year, offering the team a realistic pathway to medal contention in the compound bracket.
Recurve focus: Deepika's 38-medal quest
Deepika Kumari, the four-time Olympian, anchors India's recurve campaign and carries an impressive tally of 38 World Cup medals into the competition. She earned an individual bronze in Shanghai last year and will be intent on upgrading that finish. The men's recurve contingent is led by Olympians Atanu Das and Tarundeep Rai, supported by emerging young talent.
Squad selection and competition schedule
The 16-member squad was finalised through national trials held in Kolkata in February. The competition runs from 5–10 May, with compound finals on 9 May and recurve finals on 10 May. Finals will stream live in India on Archery+, though terrestrial television coverage is not scheduled.
Point of View
Ojas Deotale's world title, and the men's compound gold from Shanghai. But consistency, not peaks, determines World Cup Final qualification. Shanghai is a reset moment, not a coronation.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads India's archery squad for Shanghai World Cup Stage 2?
Experienced archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Deepika Kumari captain the 16-member Indian contingent. Deepika is a four-time Olympian with 38 World Cup medals, while Jyothi Surekha won gold in the women's compound team at Stage 1 in Puebla.
How many medals did India win at Stage 1 in Puebla?
India secured one medal at Stage 1 in Puebla — gold in the women's compound team event won by Jyothi Surekha Vennam , Madhura Dhamangaonkar , and Pragati .
Why is Shanghai significant for India's archery team?
Shanghai holds strong historical momentum for India. Last year, the Indian team harvested seven medals in Shanghai, including two golds. Madhura Dhamangaonkar won individual gold and mixed team bronze, while the women's compound team earned silver. The men's compound team also captured gold.
When and where are the finals scheduled?
Compound finals are scheduled for 9 May and recurve finals for 10 May in Shanghai. Finals will stream live in India on Archery+ , though there is no terrestrial television broadcast.
How many archers from how many nations are competing at Shanghai World Cup Stage 2?
Over 300 archers from 44 nations are competing at the Shanghai stage, all vying for crucial qualification spots toward the season-ending World Cup Final in Saltillo .
