Indian compound archers scripted history on Saturday, August 19, as they bagged two gold concluding their impressive stint with a total of five medals in the World Cup Stage 4.
The Indian men's compound team, comprising Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Prathamesh Jawkar, ranked fourth, outperformed the second-seeded American ensemble of Kris Schaff, James Lutz, and Sawyer Sullivan with a 236-232 finish in the finals. After an initial lag behind the Americans who showcased a flawless round of 60, the Indian trio showcased unwavering determination, leveling the score at 118-118. The climax was dramatic as the Indians, demonstrating impeccable precision, shot a perfect 60 in the concluding end, toppling their higher-seeded competitors by four points.
On the women's front, the newly crowned world champions from Berlin, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur, showcased sheer resilience. Facing the formidable team from Mexico, they won with a razor-thin margin of just one point. Although the Indian women's team experienced a temporary setback in the penultimate end, they regained their momentum, shooting an almost immaculate 59, which included five 10s and one X, sealing their victory with a 234-233 score.
Additionally, Jyothi Surekha Vennam bagged a bronze medal in the individual women's compound segment, her second medal of the tournament. She edged out the seasoned five-time World Cup gold medallist, Sarah Lopaz from Columbia, in a gripping shoot-off. After both archers were tied at 146, Jyothi clinched victory with a tiebreaker shot closer to the center.
Earlier in the event, India also garnered two recurve team bronze medals. The men's recurve team, consisting of Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, and Tushar Prabhakar Shelke, mounted a comeback against the Spanish trio, Pablo Acha, Yun Sanchez, and Andres Temino, securing their place on the podium. Emulating their male counterparts, the women's recurve team of Bhajan Kaur, Ankita Bhakat, and Simranjeet Kaur also clinched bronze, defeating Mexico's team in a thrilling shoot-off after both teams were tied at 4-4.
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