India’s recurve archers delivered a composed and impactful performance on qualification day at the Para World Archery Series, with Vijay and Harvinder Singh finishing first and second respectively in the men’s event.
The strong showing extended across categories, as India also secured top positions in team standings, underlining both depth and consistency within the squad.
With multiple archers advancing comfortably into the knockout stages, India has positioned itself as a serious contender heading into the elimination rounds.
Vijay Tops Men’s Qualification, Harvinder Close Behind
The standout performance of the day came in the men’s recurve category, where Vijay topped the qualification standings with a score of 641. His round was marked by stability and precision, maintaining a high scoring rate across ends and staying clear of major fluctuations.
Close behind him was Paralympic medallist Harvinder Singh, who finished second with 638. The narrow three-point gap between the two highlights the competitive edge within the Indian contingent itself. Harvinder’s experience and ability to handle pressure were evident, as he remained consistent throughout the round.
India’s strength in the category was further reinforced by Ram Dhanna, who secured sixth place with 626, and Sahil, who finished seventh with 610. Having four Indian archers inside the top eight is a significant achievement and gives the team a strong advantage in both individual and team events.
Importantly, all four archers have advanced to the Round of 16, ensuring India maintains a strong presence deep into the competition.
In the women’s recurve category, India delivered a steady performance, with multiple archers securing positions within the top 12.
Bhawna led the Indian contingent, finishing fourth with a score of 545. Her performance keeps her well within contention heading into the knockout rounds, where a top-four qualification often translates into a more favourable draw.
Rajshri followed in eighth place with 532, while Pooja (524) and Pooja Kumari (518) secured 10th and 11th positions respectively. While the scores indicate a slight gap compared to the top of the field, the presence of four Indian archers within the top 11 reflects depth and competitive readiness.
The focus for the women’s team will now be on translating these positions into strong head-to-head performances in the elimination rounds.
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India’s collective strength was clearly visible in the team standings. In the men’s recurve team event, the duo of Vijay and Harvinder secured the top seed, finishing first in qualification. This positions them strongly for the knockout stages, where synergy and consistency will be key.
In the women’s team event, Bhawna and Rajshri combined to finish second, ensuring India remains firmly in medal contention in this category as well.
The mixed team pairing of Vijay and Bhawna also delivered a commendable performance, securing third place in qualification. With all three team categories placing within the top three, India has multiple avenues to push for podium finishes. Strong qualification results provide more than just rankings they shape the path ahead. Higher-seeded archers benefit from relatively favourable matchups in early knockout rounds, reducing the risk of facing top contenders too soon.
For India, having multiple archers seeded high across categories increases the probability of deeper runs in both individual and team events. It also allows for better strategic planning, as athletes can prepare with clearer expectations of their progression routes.
The Challenge of Elimination Rounds
Despite the encouraging start, the nature of archery means that qualification scores do not carry forward into knockout rounds. Each match begins afresh, and outcomes are often decided by fine margins.
For India, the key will be maintaining composure in head-to-head contests. Consistency under pressure, quick recovery from setbacks within a match, and the ability to execute in decisive moments will determine how far the archers progress.
Experienced campaigners like Harvinder Singh will play a crucial role in anchoring the team, while emerging names like Vijay will look to convert their qualification dominance into medals.
India’s recurve archers have laid a strong foundation at the Para World Archery Series, with top finishes in individual qualifications and impressive standings in team events. Vijay’s table-topping performance and Harvinder’s close second place highlight the country’s growing strength in the discipline.
As the competition moves into the knockout phase, the focus shifts from consistency to execution under pressure. If India can build on this momentum and deliver in crucial moments, a successful medal haul could well be within reach.
