Picture Credit: AINAGOC
India’s women’s recurve team created history by defeating 10-time Asian Games champions South Korea 5-3 to win the country’s first-ever gold medal in the event.
Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti delivered a composed performance at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square to secure the title in India’s first Asian Games final appearance in the women’s recurve team category.
India had previously won bronze medals in the event at the 2010 and 2022 Games after losing in the semi-finals.
South Korea, meanwhile, had dominated the competition, remaining unbeaten in Asian Games finals except at the inaugural edition in 1982.
India reached the final after beating China 5-1 in the semi-final.
The opening set ended 54-54, leaving the teams level and earning one point each.
South Korea took the early advantage in the second set with scores of 10, 9 and 9. India responded with 10, 8 and 10 before Korea matched the sequence.
Ankita struck the centre, followed by an 8 from Kirti, while 17-year-old Kumkum held her nerve to land a 10 and make it 2-2.
Korea began the third set with 8, 10 and 9, but India answered with 10, 9 and 9. Korea then managed three 8s, allowing India to take control. Kumkum’s final 10 secured the set and put India 4-2 ahead.
The fourth set remained closely contested. Korea recorded 9, 9 and 10, while India produced 8, 8 and 9. Korea finished with 8, 9 and 9 before Kirti and Ankita each struck 9 for India.
Kumkum once again delivered under pressure, hitting a decisive 10 to tie the set and seal India’s historic 5-3 victory.
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