On September 7, 2025, India’s men’s compound archery team etched their names in history by securing their first-ever gold medal at the World Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. The trio of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge outshot France 235-233 in a thrilling final, marking a defining moment for Indian archery. This victory, coupled with a silver in the mixed team event, highlights India’s rising prowess in compound archery.
Key Points:
- Final Score: India defeated France 235-233 in the men’s compound team final.
- Team Composition: Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge led India to glory.
- World Championship First: India’s maiden gold in the men’s compound team event.
The Road to Gold: A Gritty Journey
India’s path to the final was marked by resilience and precision. Seeded second after Rishabh Yadav’s eighth-place finish in individual qualifiers, the team overcame tough opponents, including Australia (30-28 in a shoot-off), USA (234-233), and Turkey (234-232). In the final, India trailed France until the decisive fourth set, where they scored a near-perfect 59/60 to France’s 57, clinching the title with composure under pressure.
Key Moments:
- Tied at 176-176: The match was neck-and-neck after three sets.
- Decisive Fourth Set: India’s 59-57 score in the final set sealed the victory.
- Prathamesh Fuge’s Redemption: The lowest-ranked qualifier (19th) delivered crucial shots.
Rishabh Yadav’s Double Medal Haul
Rishabh Yadav, a 23-year-old rising star, was the cornerstone of India’s success. Earlier on September 7, he partnered with Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the compound mixed team event, securing a silver medal after a narrow 155-157 loss to the Netherlands. Rishabh’s ability to rebound from the mixed team defeat to lead the men’s team to gold showcased his mental toughness and skill.
Key Points:
- Mixed Team Silver: Rishabh and Jyothi lost to Netherlands’ Mike Schloesser and Sanne de Laat.
- ** Stellar Year**: The duo set a world record at the 2025 Shanghai World Cup and won gold in Central Florida.
- Rishabh’s Resilience: Bounced back from silver to deliver gold in the men’s event.
A Setback for the Women’s Team
While the men’s team celebrated, the Indian women’s compound team—comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, and Prithika Pradeep—faced disappointment. The defending champions suffered a 229-233 loss to Italy in the pre-quarterfinals, ending their medal streak since 2017. This was the first time in eight years that India’s women’s team failed to podium at the World Championships.
Key Points:
- Unexpected Exit: The women’s team bowed out in the second round.
- Broken Streak: Ended a consistent medal run since 2017.
- Focus on Future: The team aims to regroup for upcoming global events.
Why This Victory Matters
India’s gold in the men’s compound team event signals the nation’s emergence as a global archery powerhouse. The victory, achieved against formidable opponents like the USA and Turkey, underscores India’s growing technical expertise and mental fortitude in compound archery, a discipline requiring precision and consistency. With the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, this win boosts India’s medal prospects and inspires a new generation of archers.
Key Points:
- Global Recognition: The win elevates India’s status in international archery.
- Team Synergy: Cohesion among Yadav, Saini, and Fuge was key to success.
- Future Prospects: Sets a strong foundation for the 2026 Asian Games.
