Historic Breakthrough at Asia Cup Stage 1 2025: Indian Archers Rewrite the Record Books
In a tournament filled with thrilling encounters and nail-biting finishes, the Asia Cup Stage 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, has seen Indian archers push the boundaries of excellence. With new records shattered and unexpected twists in every match, the event has left an indelible mark on the world of archery.
The highlight of the competition came from the Compound Under-21 Mens Team. In a display of unwavering focus and flawless execution, the team broke the existing world record by registering an astonishing score of 2129, eclipsing the old record of 2111. This historic achievement not only underscores the technical prowess of the young archers but also signals the arrival of a new era in Indian compound archery.
Their performance was a perfect blend of precision, speed, and teamwork attributes that are essential in the fast-paced environment of competitive archery.
The recurve events were equally dramatic. The All India Recurve Mens Final provided archery enthusiasts with moments of high tension and brilliance.
In the semifinals, Rahul Pawariya showcased his expertise by defeating a Malaysian opponent with a commanding score of 7-3. On the other side, Vishnu Choudhary emerged victorious against a formidable competitor from Taiwan.
The stage is now set for an electrifying final showdown between Rahul and Vishnu a duel that promises to highlight the very best of Indian recurve archery.
Yet, not every match went according to plan. In one of the closest contests of the day, Chikitha Taniparthi narrowly missed a victory in the semifinals, succumbing by a mere point with a score of 143-144.
Despite this setback, Taniparthi remains undaunted as he prepares to vie for the bronze medal on the 22nd. Such razor-thin margins epitomize the intense competitive spirit that defines these international encounters.
In the compound team events, further excitement unfolded. The Mens Compound Team delivered an enthralling performance by edging past Kazakhstan with a close score of 234-231, securing their place in the final where they will take on a challenging Malaysian side. In contrast, the womens compound team faced heartbreak. After enduring back-to-back shootouts first against Kazakhstan in the semifinals and then in a nerve-wracking bout against Iran in the BMM round the team narrowly missed out on a medal.
Though disappointed, the womens campaign will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for future international success.
Individual stars shone brightly as well. Basanti Mahato’s journey to the final was marked by a series of commanding victories.
She began her campaign with a flawless 6-0 win in the Round of 32 against Ochirova Erzhena, followed by another 6-0 triumph over Thailand’s Narisara KhunhiRanchaiyo in the next round.
A further 6-0 victory in the quarterfinals against Zainal Habsahli from Malaysia set the stage for a nail-biting semifinal clash against China’s Wu Jiaxin, which she edged 6(10*)-5(10). Basanti now awaits her final opponent, You Zhu Fong from Taiwan, in a match scheduled for 2:08 PM IST on Saturday.
Similarly, Kushal Dalal’s dramatic run in the Compound Men bracket has captivated fans. After a razor-thin 148-147 win over Hong Kong’s Lin Hung Hing in the Round of 32 and a subsequent victory over Iran’s Milad (149-145) in the next round, Kushal fought through a tie-break in the quarterfinals and then prevailed 150-148 against Kazakhstan’s Tyuntyun in the semifinals. His final against South Korea’s Yonghee is set for 10:38 AM IST on Saturday.
As the finals draw near, the passion and precision of these archers remind us that every arrow released carries the hopes of a nation. With history being made in Bangkok, the future of Indian archery shines brighter than ever.
