As the Archery World Cup Stage 3 got underway in Antalya, Indian archers delivered a mixed bag of results in the qualification round.
While the compound archers once again demonstrated their growing stature on the global stage, the recurve contingent showed signs of struggle, raising concerns ahead of the critical knockout rounds.
Recurve Men: In the Mix but Lacking Firepower
India’s men’s recurve team, which has shown promise in the past with a silver medal in Stage 1, qualified 5th in Antalya. Individually, Dhiraj Bommadevara continued to lead the charge, finishing 13th, followed closely by Atanu Das at 15th. Parth Salunkhe, who claimed bronze in Stage 2, ended the qualification round in 26th.
This trio, which has provided moments of hope in the past—with Dhiraj’s bronze in Stage 1 and Parth’s in Stage 2—still lacks the consistency required to challenge Korea, USA, and other top-tier nations. They will now need a significant upturn in form to convert their mid-table qualification into a deep run in the elimination rounds.
Recurve Women: Concerns Continue
India’s women’s recurve team had a disappointing qualification, finishing 12th overall. Individually, none of the three archers finished inside the top 30. Ankita Bhakat ranked 33rd, Deepika Kumari—bronze medallist from Stage 2—finished 35th, and Simranjeet Kaur ended in 54th.
Given India’s legacy in women’s recurve, this result is a major concern. Deepika’s medal in Yecheon (Stage 2) was expected to be a turning point, but the dip here suggests a lack of momentum. Without significant improvement, a podium finish looks out of reach in Antalya.
The mixed recurve team, composed of the top-ranking male and female archers from the qualification, slotted in at 13th. With a tougher draw ahead, their task in the elimination rounds will be steep.
Compound Men: Quiet Qualification, Big Potential
India’s men’s compound team, which has been on a strong medal run this year—including a bronze in Stage 1 and a gold in Stage 2—qualified 6th in Antalya.
Rishabh Yadav, fresh off a bronze in Stage 2, maintained strong form to finish 13th in qualifications. Abhishek Verma ranked 29th, while Ojas Deotale, the reigning World Champion, ended at a surprising 34th. Ojas has been uncharacteristically quiet in this World Cup season, but knockout rounds often bring out the best in him.
Given their track record and ability to peak under pressure, India’s compound men remain strong contenders despite a relatively modest qualification ranking.
Compound Women: Best Hope for a Podium
The standout performers from the qualification rounds were, once again, the women’s compound team. Ranked 3rd, the trio has been India’s most consistent medal-winning unit across stages this season.
Madhura D, the gold medallist from Stage 2, continued her excellent form, qualifying a superb 4th. She was backed by Chikitha Khandare, who finished 11th, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, ranked 19th.
Madhura’s rise has been one of the stories of the season. Her composure under pressure and strong technical foundation give India a real chance at medals in both individual and team formats. The team previously won silver in Stage 2, and they’ll be eyeing an upgrade in Antalya.
The mixed compound pair, formed by the top male and female compound archers, placed 5th in qualification. India has been dominant in this category, having won gold in Stage 1 and bronze in Stage 2, and will be aiming to return to the top of the podium.
India’s Medal Tally So Far in 2024 World Cup Season
- Men’s Recurve Individual
- Dhiraj: Bronze (Stage 1)
- Parth: Bronze (Stage 2)
- Women’s Recurve Individual
- Deepika Kumari: Bronze (Stage 2)
- Men’s Recurve Team
- Silver (Stage 1)
- Men’s Compound Individual
- Rishabh Yadav: Bronze (Stage 2)
- Women’s Compound Individual
- Madhura Deka: Gold (Stage 2)
- Men’s Compound Team
- Bronze (Stage 1)
- Gold (Stage 2)
- Women’s Compound Team
- Silver (Stage 2)
- Mixed Compound Team
- Gold (Stage 1)
- Bronze (Stage 2)
India’s compound squads continue to carry the flag with confidence and results, while the recurve teams remain a work in progress. With the Olympics inching closer and the World Cup Final looming, the Antalya leg becomes crucial—not just for podiums, but for momentum and morale.
If India is to emerge as a true powerhouse in global archery, the consistency seen in compound must now translate into recurve. Stage 3 offers one more opportunity to close that gap.
