In one of the finest days in India’s recurve archery history, Dhiraj Bommadevara clinched the Men’s Recurve Individual Gold at the Asian Archery Championships 2025 in Dhaka, becoming the first Indian male archer to win an Asian individual recurve title.
His 6–2 victory over compatriot Rahul in an all-India final capped India’s best-ever campaign at the continental event, where the nation topped the medal tally with 6 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze.
For a country long striving for major breakthroughs in recurve archery especially in the men’s division this victory marks a watershed moment. Dhiraj’s composure, technical precision, and consistency throughout the tournament underlined why he has been one of India’s most promising Olympic prospects in recent years.
A Flawless and Dominant Run to the Final
Placed at the top of the draw after finishing first in qualification, Dhiraj received a bye in the 1/48 and 1/24 rounds. When the elimination phase began, he looked in complete control:
- 1/16: Defeated Dorji Lam (Bhutan) 6–2
- 1/8: Beat Mohammadhossein Golshani Asl (Iran) 6–4
- Quarterfinals: Outshot Makhinov Sadikov (Uzbekistan) 6–2
- Semifinals: Beat Korea’s Jang Chaehwan 6–2
- Final: Overpowered compatriot Rahul 6–2
Each round showcased his growing confidence, as he routinely closed out sets with solid 28s and 29s. His semifinal victory was particularly special defeating a strong Korean archer, something Indian recurve archers have historically struggled with at Asia-level events.
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The final between Dhiraj and Rahul was already a victory for Indian archery. It is rare for two Indian men to reach the final of a major Asian event, given Korea’s long-standing dominance in recurve. But Dhaka 2025 demonstrated a remarkable shift. In the gold medal match, Dhiraj maintained excellent grouping and rhythm to control the contest from the start. Rahul, who had also delivered a brilliant campaign—including a semifinal win over a Korean archer tried to keep pace, but Dhiraj’s steadiness proved decisive.
The 6–2 result reflected not only Dhiraj’s precision but also his ability to win key points under pressure. His average arrow value across the competition remained among the highest of the field. For Rahul, the silver medal remains a milestone achievement. His consistency, ability to handle close matches, and victory over Korea in the semifinal confirmed his emergence as a top-tier international competitor.
India Breaks Korea’s Stronghold
The most striking feature of the tournament was India’s dominance against traditionally superior Asian nations. Both Dhiraj and Rahul defeated Korean opponents in the semifinals a rare double upset that shifted the dynamics of the men’s recurve bracket.
This performance was a reflection of a new, confident Indian squad that is no longer intimidated by Korea’s legacy. Coupled with Ankita Bhakat’s gold in the women’s recurve, India’s statement across both genders was loud and clear: the nation is preparing to challenge for major Olympic positions.
The Best-Ever Campaign in Indian Archery History
India’s medal tally 6 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze is its best return at any Asian Archery Championships. The recurve section, which has often been overshadowed by India’s compound excellence, produced some of the team’s brightest results in Dhaka:
- Dhiraj Bommadevara – Gold (Recurve Men Individual)
- Ankita Bhakat – Gold (Recurve Women Individual)
- Rahul – Silver (Recurve Men Individual)
- Sangeeta – Bronze (Recurve Women Individual)
- Multiple team medals across categories
This breadth of podium finishes reflects not just elite individual performances but the depth, structure, and discipline within India’s national archery program.
Dhiraj’s ascent has been steady over the last few years. Known for his clean technique, calm temperament, and exceptional match-play discipline, he has often come close to big wins. Dhaka 2025 finally delivered the breakthrough moment that his talent has long promised. The victory carries additional weight given the strength of the field and the volume of decisive wins. For Dhiraj, who is part of India’s long-term Olympic vision, this gold medal will serve as a crucial confidence booster as he builds toward bigger global competitions.
India’s Recurve Revolution Begins
For the longest time, the Asian stage has been the toughest battlefield for Indian recurve archers. To leave Dhaka with both men’s and women’s individual Asian titles signals a transformation. Dhiraj’s gold, Rahul’s silver, and the all-India final are more than results they are markers of a new era. Indian archery, once defined by isolated breakthroughs, is now delivering sustained excellence across categories.
With Paris 2024 in the rear-view and Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, Dhaka 2025 may well be remembered as the turning point when India stepped into the Asian elite.
Dhiraj Bommadevara’s triumph is not just a medal it is a moment of belief.
