The Indian men’s compound archery team of Rishabh Yadav, Prathamesh Fuge, and Aman Saini produced a series of breathtaking performances to storm into the final of the World Archery Championships 2025.
With nerves of steel and near-flawless shooting, the trio edged past Turkey in a tense semifinal to book their place in the title clash against France on September 7. India’s men began their campaign with a show of consistency in qualifying, finishing second as a team. Rishabh Yadav scored 709 to rank eighth individually, while Aman (707) and Prathamesh (706) followed closely in 15th and 19th. The collective performance secured a strong seeding and boosted the team’s confidence ahead of knockout rounds.
The women’s compound team, comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, and Prithika Pradeep, also ranked well, finishing third as a unit. Jyothi was particularly impressive, securing third place individually. Yet, while expectations were high, the women suffered a surprising round-of-16 exit to Italy. That early setback left the men to carry India’s medal hopes in compound.
Round of 16: Shoot-Off Drama Against Australia
The knockout journey began with high drama. Against Australia, the Indian men trailed 172–174 after the third end and looked vulnerable. In the final arrows, Australia hit X, X, X to reach 232. India needed perfection and delivered, with X, X, X of their own to tie the match at 232. The result forced a shoot-off, a scenario where one slip could end the campaign. Australia posted X, 9, 9 for 28 points. Under immense pressure, India fired 10, 10, X for 30, sealing an extraordinary comeback.
The roar from the arena told the story: the Indian trio had announced themselves as contenders.
Quarterfinals: Narrow Escape Against the USA
If the round of 16 was about survival, the quarterfinal was about composure. Facing the United States, India held their nerve in a match decided by a single point. The final score read 234–233, reflecting just how finely balanced the contest was. Throughout the duel, India maintained accuracy in the 10-ring. Rishabh’s calm anchor shots and Aman’s consistency ensured there were no loose ends. The one-point margin was enough to push India into the semifinals and guarantee an upgrade from their 2023 campaign, where they had fallen at the quarterfinal stage to the Netherlands.
Semifinals: Overcoming Early Jitters Against Turkey
The semifinal against Turkey showcased the resilience that has come to define this Indian squad. The match began poorly with an uncharacteristic 7 in the first set, leaving India trailing 55–57. The deficit persisted as both sides shot 59 in the next end, keeping Turkey two points clear.
The turnaround began in the third set when India shot a perfect 60, while Turkey managed 59, cutting the gap to a single point. By now, momentum had shifted, and India’s confidence was visible. In the final end, Rishabh, Prathamesh, and Aman combined for another flawless 60, lifting the team to a 234–232 victory. From staring at elimination after the opening end to producing back-to-back perfect rounds, the Indian men displayed both mental toughness and technical mastery. Their place in the gold medal match was well deserved.
Contrast with Women’s Campaign
While the men soared, the women’s campaign came to a disappointing end. The defending champions, who had medalled in every edition since 2017, bowed out 229–233 against Italy in the round of 16. With Jyothi, Parneet, and Prithika unable to reproduce their usual dominance, India’s hopes rested solely on the men’s team.
The men have not only kept those hopes alive but given Indian archery a chance at another world title. This is infact the Historic. First ever Compound men’s team medal at the World Archery Championships.
India will face France in the final on September 7. France overcame Slovenia in the other semifinal, setting up a high-stakes contest between two teams that have grown in strength over recent years. For India, this final is more than just a medal match. It is a symbol of progress. From a quarterfinal exit in 2023 to a place in the championship round in 2025, the team’s trajectory reflects the depth and maturity in the compound program.
Team Members
Rishabh Yadav – Ranked eighth in qualifying, he has been India’s reliable finisher, often delivering the decisive arrow under pressure.
Prathamesh Fuge – His steady rhythm and accuracy have ensured India avoided costly lapses, particularly in the semifinal fightback.
Aman Saini – Known for his quick release, he has maintained composure in shoot-offs and tight exchanges, giving India vital momentum. Together, they form a trio that thrives on trust and complementing each other’s strengths.
The men’s journey to the final has already been historic, but the job is not done. A gold medal on September 7 would confirm India as one of the world’s premier compound archery nations. The path has not been easy they survived a shoot-off against Australia, edged the USA by one point, and came from behind against Turkey.
Yet, each challenge has only sharpened their resolve. As the stage shifts to the title clash against France, Indian archery stands on the brink of another proud moment. For Rishabh, Prathamesh, and Aman, the opportunity is clear: to convert resilience into history, and to deliver India a world championship gold.
