The Indian men’s recurve team produced one of their most composed and authoritative campaigns in recent years to enter the final of the Asian Archery Championships 2025.
The trio of Yashdeep, Atanu Das and Rahul delivered three successive wins in the eliminations on 10 November, advancing to the gold medal match where they will face defending champions South Korea on 14 November. This progression marks a significant step up for India’s men’s recurve unit, which missed the podium in the previous edition. With consistent shooting across all three matches and an ability to handle pressure in decisive moments, the team has placed itself in a strong position to challenge the continent’s strongest recurve nation.
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India opened its campaign against Turkmenistan, securing a 6–2 win. The match saw India take control early with a strong 59 and 57 in the first two sets. Turkmenistan briefly responded with a 49–46 win in the third, but India closed the contest with a composed 55 in the final set to seal the victory.
It was a solid beginning that set the tone for the day clean shooting, disciplined tempo and minimal errors. All three Indians maintained tight arrow groups, reflecting the team’s comfort with both rhythm and match conditions.
Clinical Quarterfinal Win Over Malaysia
The quarterfinals reflected India at its sharpest. Against Malaysia, the team delivered a flawless 6–0 sweep, taking the sets 55–52, 56–52 and 56–52. Each of the three sets highlighted India’s consistency, with the scoring pattern showing minimal drop-offs.
Malaysia attempted to pressure India with a strong first end, but the Indians responded with grouping that suggested they were in full control from start to finish. The 56s in the second and third sets demonstrated their ability to maintain high standards deep into the match.
Hard-Fought Semifinal Against Kazakhstan
India’s toughest test came in the semifinal against Kazakhstan, a side known for producing strong recurve squads and featuring experienced names such as Ilfat Abdullin. The match was decided 5–3 in India’s favour, with set scores going 52–52, 56–58, 56–52 and 57–52. Kazakhstan took the second set with a sharp 58, briefly pushing India onto the back foot. But the Indian trio responded immediately, tightening their shots and reclaiming the third set with a confident 56–52. The fourth set saw India produce one of their best rounds of the day—a 57 that closed the door on Kazakhstan’s hopes of forcing a shoot-off.
It was a semifinal that showcased India’s ability to absorb pressure and raise their performance when required, especially with the match finely balanced heading into the final set.
A Shot at Redemption and History
India now faces South Korea, the powerhouse of world archery and the reigning Asian champions. The Korean teamKim Je-deok, Kim Woo-jin and Lee Woo-seok swept the gold in the previous edition, with Kazakhstan and Indonesia taking silver and bronze respectively.
India did not reach the podium that year, making this final an opportunity not just for silverware but for a meaningful course correction. The Indians have shown that they can shoot with rhythm, discipline and control across three different match scenarios in a single day. Their momentum, combined with a strengthened team structure, gives them a real chance to challenge Korea, even though the Koreans enter the final as favourites.
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The gold medal match is scheduled for 14 November, and India will look to carry their form and composure into what promises to be one of the highlight finals of the Asian Archery Championships 2025. With all three archers performing in sync and demonstrating tactical maturity, India enters the contest with renewed confidence and the belief that they can script one of their most significant results in recent years.
