The Indian flag flew high in Gwangju, South Korea, as the compound men’s team of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge scripted history at the World Archery Championships 2025.
In a pulsating gold medal match, India defeated France 235–233 to secure the nation’s first-ever medal in men’s compound team at the Worlds and it was nothing less than gold.
This triumph adds another glorious chapter to India’s rising dominance in compound archery. It is also the fourth overall gold medal for India at the World Championships and the first in this edition, underlining the depth of talent in the squad even in the absence of established names like Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale, and Jawkar.
Road to Gold: Battling Through the Draw
The journey of the Indian men’s team to the world title was anything but easy. Each round tested their resilience and composure under pressure.
- Round of 16 vs Australia (232–232, shoot-off 30–28):
India’s campaign began on a knife’s edge. The Australians matched them arrow for arrow, forcing a shoot-off. The Indian trio held their nerve, striking a perfect 30 while their opponents faltered with a 28. That clutch performance set the tone for the rest of the tournament. - Quarterfinal vs USA (234–233):
Against a strong American team, India once again showcased consistency. The match was decided by a solitary point, with Aman and Rishabh striking critical 10s in the final end to push India through. - Semifinal vs Turkey (234–232):
The semifinal saw India up against Turkey, a team known for its sharp shooting. But the Indians matched them end by end and edged ahead when it mattered, sealing a two-point victory and booking a place in the gold medal match.
The three wins, all close encounters, showed India’s growing maturity in handling tight situations on the world stage.
The Gold Medal Match: Nerves, Pressure, and Perfection
Facing France, ranked world No. 8, India knew they had to be at their absolute best. The contest, played end by end, swung dramatically before the Indians produced a stunning finish.
- End 1 (India 57 – France 59):
India started nervously. Two arrows strayed into the 9-ring, while France shot consistently to grab a two-point lead. At 59–57, the French looked in control. - End 2 (117–117):
India responded magnificently. Rishabh, Aman, and Prathamesh combined for a flawless 60/60. France cracked under the pressure with two 9s, and the scores were level again at 117 apiece. - End 3 (176–176):
The intensity rose as India and France matched each other almost shot for shot. Rishabh delivered his second X, Aman nailed three 10s in succession, and despite one slip into the 9, India stayed level with the French. Both teams ended the end tied at 176. - End 4 (India 235 – France 233):
With everything riding on the final six arrows, India needed composure. They delivered a brilliant 59/60, while France faltered again with a crucial 9. The last three arrows two 10s and an X sealed the gold for India.
It was a remarkable comeback after trailing early on, capped by nerves of steel in the closing moments.
Breaking Barriers: First Men’s Compound Medal at Worlds
This victory is historic for several reasons:
- First Medal in Men’s Compound Team at Worlds: India had never before reached the podium in this discipline. To not only win a medal but strike gold speaks volumes of the team’s progress.
- Depth in Indian Compound Archery: Even without stalwarts like Abhishek Verma and reigning world champion Ojas Deotale, the team delivered at the highest stage. It highlights India’s bench strength and the quality of emerging shooters.
- Fourth World Championship Gold: India had previously won three world titles, including the women’s team crown. This latest success adds to the growing legacy of Indian archery at the global level.
Individual Performances: Calm Under Fire
- Rishabh Yadav: Displayed remarkable consistency throughout, anchoring the team with well-timed 10s and Xs. His composure in high-pressure moments stood out.
- Aman Saini: One of the standout performers in the final, Aman shot five consecutive 10s in the middle ends, keeping India in the hunt. His maturity was key in ensuring India didn’t fall behind.
- Prathamesh Fuge: The youngest member of the trio, Fuge stepped up brilliantly in his first senior World Championship final. His steady shooting in the last end contributed to the decisive 59-point finish.
The French team came in as underdogs but showed remarkable fight. They started strongly and had India under pressure after the first end. However, inconsistency in the second and fourth ends cost them dearly. Against a team of India’s caliber, such lapses proved fatal.
The gold medal win reinforces India’s growing dominance in compound archery. Since 2023, Indian compound archers have consistently been among the best in the world, winning medals across World Cups and Championships. This latest success cements their status as one of the powerhouses of the sport.
Moreover, this win will inspire the next generation of Indian archers. With the sport gaining popularity and institutional support, India is beginning to establish a culture of excellence in archery.
As the Indian flag was hoisted and the national anthem played in Gwangju, it was a moment of pride not just for the three archers but for the entire nation. The trio stood tall on the podium, medals glistening, as they etched their names in history. For Indian archery, it was a culmination of years of dedication, training, and belief.
With this victory, India has laid down a marker for future competitions. The next targets will be the World Cups, the Asian Championships, and the long-term dream of compound archery’s inclusion in the Olympics. If and when that happens, India will be among the frontrunners for medals.
The success also raises expectations. Having tasted gold, the challenge will be to maintain consistency and replicate such performances at future global events.
The gold medal triumph of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge at the World Archery Championships 2025 will go down as one of the landmark achievements in Indian sporting history. It was not just a victory, but a statement that India has arrived as a force in world archery.
From the nerve-wracking shoot-off against Australia to the thrilling finish against France, this team showed grit, resilience, and class. Their success will inspire countless young athletes across India to pick up the bow and dream big.
For now, though, the tricolour flies proudly in Gwangju and the world knows that India’s compound men’s team are the champions of the world. 🥇🇮🇳
