Indian archers are increasingly challenging the long-held dominance of South Korea in the sport, demonstrating a notable shift in mindset and performance. Once intimidated by the prospect of facing Korean archers, Indian athletes are now approaching these encounters with a newfound confidence and determination.
This change is evident across different age groups and competition levels. Purnima Mahato, a former Indian archer and current coach, recalls a time when Indian recurve archers were daunted by the prospect of facing Korean opponents. In contrast, the younger generation exhibits a different attitude. Sharvari Shende, a U-18 world youth recurve champion, stated that she wasn't intimidated by any opponent, including Koreans, and focused on delivering her best performance.
At the 2025 Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, India's strong performance, securing six gold medals, underscored their growing prowess. The Indian men's recurve team achieved a historic victory by defeating South Korea in a thrilling shoot-off, claiming their first gold medal in 18 years. The team, consisting of Yashdeep Bhoge, Atanu Das, and Rahul, overcame a 2-4 deficit to win 5-4 against a Korean team that included promising talents. In the shoot-off, both teams scored 29 points, but India prevailed because Atanu Das's perfect 10 was closer to the center. Ankita Bhakat also contributed to India's success by defeating Paris Games silver medalist Nam Su-hyeon in the women's final.
These victories are not isolated incidents. In the 2024 World Cup Stage 1, the Indian men's team secured a gold medal by defeating a strong Korean team that included Olympic champions Kim Je-deok and Kim Woo-jin. Furthermore, at the 2023 World Cup Final, Dhiraj Bommadevara stunned Kim, a five-time Olympic champion.
Dhiraj Bommadevara believes that closing the gap with the Korean powerhouse is an ongoing process. Rahul Banerjee, coach of the men's recurve team, emphasized the significance of defeating Korea, highlighting the team's focus on the Asian Games as their next target.
India's success in archery can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a growing depth of talent, improved training methods, and a shift in mindset. Indian archers are not only focused on improving their technical skills but also on developing the mental fortitude to compete against the best in the world. The Archery Premier League has also played a role in boosting the confidence of Indian archers.
While Korea remains a formidable force in archery, the Indian archers have demonstrated that they are capable of competing on equal terms. With continued dedication and strategic development, India is poised to become a major player in the world of archery.
