Hangzhou, 9 September 2025: India’s women’s recurve team will fight for a podium finish at the World Archery Championships 2025 after falling short in the semifinals against Japan.
The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and teenage prodigy Gatha Khadake went down 2-6 in their last-four clash, setting up a bronze medal playoff against South Korea scheduled for 10 September at 12:30 PM IST. The loss was a setback for India, who had entered the semifinals with strong momentum, but the team remains in the hunt for its first medal at the World Championships since 2015.
From Slovenia to the Semifinals
India began their knockout campaign confidently in the round of 16, where they dispatched Slovenia 5-1. The victory reflected India’s composure under pressure, with consistent ends across the three sets. In the quarterfinals, the Indian trio faced Turkey, who had earlier beaten Ukraine. India raised their game significantly, overpowering the Turkish side 6-2 to secure a coveted semifinal spot. The win was built on steady scoring, with Deepika providing experience, Ankita adding stability, and Gatha stepping up impressively despite her age.
The semifinal lineup underlined Asia’s dominance in the women’s recurve team event. Unlike the 2023 edition—where no Asian team had made the final four 2025 saw an all-Asian semifinal bracket: South Korea vs Chinese Taipei and India vs Japan.
The Semifinal Clash: India vs Japan
The semifinal began on even terms. India and Japan traded 56-56 in the opening set, a result that highlighted both teams’ consistency. Japan, however, seized the initiative in the second set. Despite India scoring a strong 56, Japan responded with an even sharper 58, taking a 3-1 lead. This was the turning point of the match, as Japan’s rhythm proved hard to break. The third set was again tied at 56-56, keeping India alive but trailing 2-4 overall. With the pressure mounting, the Indians needed to outshoot Japan in the fourth set to force a shoot-off. Instead, Japan held their nerve, delivering another composed round to seal the match 6-2.
For India, the defeat was a mix of frustration and respect. The team had shot three sets of 56, reflecting good consistency, but Japan found just that extra edge when it mattered most.
A Decade-Long Wait for the Final Continues
The loss meant India’s wait for a women’s recurve team final appearance at the World Championships continues. The last—and only—time India reached the title clash was in 2015, when a young 21-year-old Deepika Kumari, alongside Rimil Buriuly and Laxmirani Majhi, won silver, losing to Russia in the final. That Deepika remains a key figure a decade later is testimony to her longevity and resilience. Now joined by Ankita Bhakat and 15-year-old Gatha Khadake, she finds herself in a familiar position fighting for a medal to keep India’s recurve program visible on the world stage.
Perhaps the biggest story of India’s campaign so far has been the emergence of Gatha Khadake, the 15-year-old archer making her World Championship debut. Thrown into the spotlight in a high-pressure environment, Gatha has displayed maturity beyond her years. Her calm execution in the early rounds and steady presence in the semifinal has already earned her recognition as one of India’s brightest prospects. Regardless of the bronze medal outcome, Gatha’s progression is a positive sign for Indian archery, suggesting the pipeline remains strong.
Other Results: A Tough Outing for Recurve Teams
While the women’s team has kept India in medal contention, other recurve squads endured a tougher campaign.
- Men’s Team: Lost in the round of 12 to Denmark 4-5, exiting earlier than expected.
- Mixed Team: Lost their round of 16 tie to Japan 4-5, missing out on a deep run.
These results highlight the challenges India continues to face in recurve archery at the world level, where consistency across all events remains elusive.
The Bronze Medal Match: India vs South Korea
India’s last chance to secure a podium will come against South Korea, the sport’s traditional powerhouse. Korea, surprisingly beaten by Chinese Taipei in their semifinal shoot-off, will be eager to avoid leaving without a medal. The matchup promises to be a high-intensity contest. India’s recent form offers hope consistent mid-50s scoring in the semifinals showed they can compete but against Korea, the margin for error is minimal.
The psychological challenge will be as important as the technical one. Korea’s depth and pedigree often intimidate opponents, but India can draw confidence from their steady performances against Slovenia and Turkey, as well as their resilience in the semifinal despite the loss.
For India, the bronze medal playoff is about more than just silverware. A podium finish would validate the progress of the women’s recurve program, inspire confidence in younger athletes, and bridge the gap until the next Olympic cycle.
India’s women’s recurve team has carried the nation’s hopes admirably at the World Archery Championships 2025, combining experience, youth, and consistency to reach the semifinals. While the loss to Japan denied them a shot at gold, the bronze medal match against South Korea offers a chance to end the campaign on a high.
For Deepika Kumari, it is another chapter in her storied career; for Ankita, an opportunity to anchor the team under pressure; and for Gatha Khadake, a chance to announce herself to the world. Come 10 September at 12:30 PM IST, India will step onto the range with history at stake the chance to return to the World Championship podium after a decade.
