Okazaki, Oct 2: Indian archers Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Anil Mohod created history on Friday by securing India’s first-ever Asian Games silver medal in the mixed recurve team event.
The Indian duo went down 3-5 to China’s Zhu Jingyi and Li Mengqi in the final at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square. Despite the defeat, Dhiraj and Kumkum delivered a strong performance to claim a historic podium finish in the mixed recurve team event.
China established an early advantage in the opening set. India struggled to match its opponents’ consistency, with Kumkum’s second arrow landing on the 7 ring. China capitalised on the error to take the first set and put India under immediate pressure.
Dhiraj continued to provide stability for the Indian team in the second set, registering India’s only 10. However, China maintained its composure and extended its advantage, leaving India with little margin for error.
The Indian pair responded strongly in the third set, giving themselves renewed hope of staging a comeback. Both Dhiraj and Kumkum found the 10 ring, while China’s Li Mengqi recorded a 7. India took the set and reduced the deficit, keeping the final alive.
However, China held its nerve in the decisive fourth set. The Chinese pair produced a total of 37 points to draw level with India’s set score and prevent the contest from going into a shoot-off. The result secured the gold medal for China, while India settled for silver.
The Chinese victory also earned Zhu Jingyi and Li Mengqi the coveted quota place for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
India had earlier booked its place in the final after Japan’s Asakuno Nanami and Nakanishi Junya surrendered a 3-1 lead in the semifinal. The Japanese pair eventually lost 3-5, allowing India to progress to the gold medal match.
Dhiraj and Kumkum’s silver adds another significant medal to India’s archery campaign at the Asian Games and marks a landmark achievement in the mixed recurve team event.