Team India is all set to participate in the Shanghai Archery World Cup which is the Stage 2 for the year.
The Indian archery contingent had wrapped up Stage 1 of the 2025 Archery World Cup with a commendable four-medal haul, signalling steady progress and depth across categories.
Competing against the best in the world, the squad bagged one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, finishing tied second on the overall medal table alongside China and the USA—each with four medals—though India had fewer golds.
Medal-Winning Performances
Gold – Compound Mixed Team
India’s gold came through a commanding performance in the compound mixed team event. The duo, composed of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma, demonstrated precision and poise to clinch the title, reinforcing their status as one of the most consistent pairs on the circuit.
Their teamwork, refined communication, and ability to stay composed under pressure saw them outscore a strong American side in the final.
Silver – Recurve Men’s Team
The recurve men’s team, featuring veterans Atanu Das, Tarundeep Rai, and young talent Dhiraj Bommadevara, showed grit throughout their run. After knocking out strong European and Asian sides, they eventually bowed out to the mighty Chinese team in the final.
The silver was still a promising result, marking India’s best team showing in recurve since the Tokyo Olympics cycle.
Bronze – Compound Men’s Team
Despite the presence of experienced campaigners like Abhishek Verma and rising stars Ojas Deotale and Rishabh Yadav, India had to settle for bronze in the compound men’s team event.
They bounced back strongly after a narrow semifinal loss, overcoming Mexico in a tight bronze medal match. This podium finish kept India’s compound discipline firmly among the world’s elite.
Bronze – Recurve Individual (Dhiraj Bommadevara)
Arguably the breakout performer for India in Stage 1, Dhiraj Bommadevara clinched a well-earned bronze in men’s recurve individual. Navigating a tough draw, Dhiraj’s calm head and textbook technique helped him register multiple upsets.
His bronze medal finish comes as a huge boost for India’s recurve campaign leading up to the Paris 2025 World Championships.
Near Misses and Learnings
Abhishek Verma, one of India’s most decorated compound archers, had an intense run in the individual section but missed the podium after falling short in both the semifinal and the bronze medal match.
His journey, however, reaffirmed his sharpness and hunger—traits that will be vital for the remaining stages.
India’s women’s recurve team and compound women’s team narrowly missed out on medals, but their improved shooting averages and match temperament suggested that a podium finish is not far off.
South Korea’s Return to Shake Up Dynamics
The absence of South Korea—traditionally dominant in the recurve discipline—in Stage 1 allowed several nations to taste success. However, with the Koreans returning for Stage 2 in Shanghai (May 6–11), the competitive stakes are set to escalate dramatically.
Their return will particularly impact the recurve categories, where Korean depth and dominance have historically been unparalleled.
India’s Squad for Stage 2 – A Balanced Mix
India has named a full-strength squad for Shanghai, including established stars and exciting young names. The recurve men’s lineup remains unchanged: Atanu Das, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Parth Salunkhe.
Among the women, Deepika Kumari, who made her return in Stage 1, is joined by Ankita Bhakat, Simranjeet Kaur, and Anshika Kumari.
The compound archers continue to be India’s stronghold, and the Shanghai squad reaffirms that faith. The men’s unit has Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, Rishabh Yadav, and Uday Kamboj, while the women’s squad includes Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, Madhura D., and Chikitha Taniparthi.
With most names carrying strong international experience, India will be hoping to convert more of their semifinal entries into medal-winning finishes.
Team India’s World Cup Medal Table: Stage 1 Recap
Despite being tied in total medals with top teams, India’s lower gold count puts them marginally behind China and Chinese Taipei in standings. Nevertheless, it’s a strong start to the season and reflects increasing depth in both compound and recurve disciplines.
The Road Ahead
Stage 2 in Shanghai will test India’s adaptability against returning giants like Korea and refined European squads. Key names like Deepika Kumari, Dhiraj, Ojas, and Jyothi will be under the spotlight, with Olympic qualification points and momentum heading into the World Championships at stake.
Moreover, this will be an ideal ground to refine team coordination and work under different weather conditions—crucial as India prepares for the rest of the 2025 season, which includes the Asian Championships and the World Archery Championships.
With form, experience, and growing confidence, India will be optimistic about building on this promising start. The World Cup podium may be crowded, but Team India looks ready to fight for every shot.
