Deepika’s team won gold by defeating China in the shoot-off! India’s first gold in the World Cup after 2021

Shanghai: The Indian women’s recurve team of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhagat and Kumkum Mohod won the gold medal by defeating hosts China in the ‘shoot-off’ in the second phase of the Archery World Cup here on Sunday. In a thrilling final match, India won the first set, but China made a comeback and leveled the match. A ‘shoot-off’ was conducted as the scores remained tied after the scheduled four sets.

The Indian trio maintained their composure in the crucial moments to register a 5-4 (28-26) win. The experienced Deepika scored crucial nine points under pressure in the final ‘shoot-off’ arrow to give India its first World Cup gold medal since 2021. Earlier, India had caused a major upset by defeating record 10-time Olympic champion South Korea in the semi-finals. This is India’s second medal in the tournament.

Earlier, defending World University Games champion Sahil Jadhav won a bronze medal in the men’s compound event in the second phase of the Archery World Cup here on Saturday. India remains in the race for another medal. Simranjit Kaur will face the semi-finals later in the day and will need a win to clinch her first medal at the World Cup.