India’s archers have kicked off their 2025 international season with a solid showing at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Central Florida, highlighted by a bronze medal in the men’s compound team event and competitive rankings in both men’s and women’s recurve categories.
Crucially, the field in Florida is missing global powerhouse South Korea — a nation that consistently dominates both individual and team events.
Their absence presents a rare opportunity for emerging and mid-tier nations to make deeper runs, and the Indian contingent has wasted no time in making their mark.
Men’s Compound Team Clinches Bronze in Tight Finish
India’s first medal of the 2025 World Cup circuit came through the men’s compound team, as Abhishek Verma, Priyansh, and Rishabh Yadav stepped up in the absence of stronger traditional opposition.
They began their campaign with a narrow win over Guatemala, clinching the quarterfinal 220-218. In the semifinals, India faced Italy in a neck-and-neck battle that ended in a 219-219 tie. Unfortunately, Italy edged the shoot-off by a slim 29-27 margin, denying India a shot at gold.
However, the Indians regrouped strongly to overcome Denmark in the bronze medal match, firing a commanding 230-223 — their highest team score of the day. With South Korea out of the picture, the bronze will feel like a missed opportunity for a higher finish, but it’s a confident start to the season for India’s compound unit.
Men’s Recurve: Dhiraj Bommadevara Leads Indian Surge, Team Ranks 5th
In the Olympic discipline of men’s recurve, India turned in a strong group performance. Dhiraj Bommadevara was the pick of the lot, scoring 666 (13 Xs) to secure 6th place in the ranking round. His sharp form is a positive sign
Veteran Tarundeep Rai continued to show he belongs at the highest level, finishing 15th with 659 points and 6 Xs. Atanu Das wasn’t far behind, ending at 22nd with a total of 654 and 6 Xs. Parth Salukhe, the youngest of the four, placed 40th with 640 points and 3 Xs — a number that leaves room for growth.
As a team, India accumulated 1979 points with 25 Xs, securing 5th place in the team rankings. With South Korea absent and the field lacking some of the top-seeded Asian and European threats, India now has a golden chance to push for a podium finish in the team elimination rounds.
Women’s Recurve: Balanced Showing Lands India 3rd in Team Rankings
India’s women’s recurve team also impressed in the ranking round. Anshika Kumari led the team with 641 points (6 Xs), finishing at a commendable 11th place. Right behind her was Ankita Bhakat, who shot 639 with an excellent 10 Xs to secure 12th.
Seasoned campaigner Deepika Kumari showed great consistency with 638 points (8 Xs), placing 14th. Meanwhile, Simranjeet Kaur ended 42nd with a score of 610 (5 Xs), which may see her in a tougher draw in the knockout rounds.
With their top three scores totaling 1918 and 24 Xs, the Indian women’s recurve team earned a 3rd place ranking, setting them up for a potential semifinal or final run. Given the absence of South Korea’s dominating female squad, this is one of India’s best chances in years to make a mark on the World Cup stage.
A Window of Opportunity: Can India Capitalize?
With South Korea not competing at this stage of the World Cup, the field has opened up considerably. Several nations that typically bow out early now find themselves seeded higher, and India is in a prime position to take advantage.
- Dhiraj Bommadevara continues to emerge as India’s best hope in men’s recurve.
- Anshika Kumari and Ankita Bhakat look solid at the top of the women’s lineup.
- Team events, where India historically struggles to beat Korea, are now realistic medal opportunities.
- The bronze medal in men’s compound offers momentum and belief heading into the knockout stages of recurve.
While it’s important to temper expectations, especially with tougher events ahead, Stage 1 in Central Florida has given Indian archery a promising start — one built on form, depth, and the right mix of youth and experience.
As the elimination rounds approach, Indian archers will be aiming to make the most of this rare moment where the draw is more open than usual. With rankings on the line, Central Florida could become a key turning point in India’s archery season.
