India’ s archery contingent has once again proven its mettle at the Archery Asia Cup Stage-1 in Bangkok, Thailand, by topping the medal tally with an impressive haul of eight medals five gold, two silver, and one bronze.
This stellar performance, achieved against stiff competition from traditional powerhouses such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan, underscores the nation growing prominence in the world of archery.
One of the tournament most riveting stories emerged from the Women’s Recurve event. Basanti Mahato delivered a performance for the ages. Trailing 0-4 in the early stages of her match against a formidable Taipei opponent, Basanti appeared to be at a significant disadvantage.
However, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and tactical acumen, she turned the contest around by scoring 30, 29, and 29 in successive sets. This remarkable comeback not only secured her the gold medal but also sent a powerful message about never giving up, even when the odds seem overwhelmingly against you.
The tournament also witnessed a dramatic showdown in the MensCompound category.
The Indian mens compound team, comprising Kushal Dalal, Manav Jadhao, and Ganesh Mani, etched their names in the record books by clinching the gold medal. In a nail-biting encounter, they edged out a determined Malaysian squad by a close margin of 237-233.
This victory was a testament to the team’s synchronisation, precise shot execution, and unyielding focus under pressure. Their success highlights the rigorous training and strategic planning that have become hallmarks of India’s approach to competitive archery.
Not every contest ended in victory, however. In the Mixed Recurve event, the Indian team suffered a setback, losing the gold medal match to China by a score of 0-6. Despite the disappointment, this result has been taken as a learning opportunity, spurring the team to refine their techniques and strategies. Such experiences, while challenging, are invaluable in building the mental toughness required for success on the international stage.
Another match that captured attention was the face-off between Vishnu and Rahul. In a tightly contested battle, Vishnu emerged victorious with a 6-2 win. The set scores 27-29, 28-27, 28-27, and 28-25 reflected the intense competition and razor-thin margins that can decide the outcome in high-stakes archery.
This encounter perfectly encapsulated the dual demands of precision and mental endurance that every archer must master.
Overall, the tournament saw India secure three gold medals in recurve events and two in compound, further cementing the nations reputation as a rising force in the sport.
Each medal, whether won through individual brilliance or cohesive team effort, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and their support staff. The diverse challenges encountered during the tournament from overcoming early deficits to prevailing in closely fought matches highlight the multifaceted skills that modern archers must possess.
Looking ahead, the achievements at Asia Cup Stage-1 provide both inspiration and a solid foundation for future international competitions. The athletes have set new benchmarks in performance, while the setbacks experienced in certain events serve as crucial
