The Archery World Cup Stage 3 proved to be a happy occasion for Indian archers as they defeated Mexico to win two gold medals on Sunday.
First, it was the women’s recurve trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and Komalika Bari bagging the top honours followed by star couple Atanu Das and Deepika Kumari claiming gold in the mixed team event. This was their second consecutive gold medal in the World Cup this year, and sixth overall following Shanghai in 2011, Medellin in 2013, Wroclaw in 2013, Wroclaw in 2014 and Guatemala City in 2021. Deepika Kumari was a constant player each time.
The trio, which had previously struggled to win the gold in Guatemala City two months back against the same opponents, was at its best, shooting four 10s with one X (closest to the centre) for a 57-57 score in the first set.
The flawless shooting displayed by the Indians put pressure back on the Mexican team of London 2012 silver-medallists that included the likes of Aida Roman, Alejandra Valencia and Ana Vazquez. They shot 52 to lose the second set by three points.
The Indians were leading 3-1 and had another round of consistent shooting with a 55 but the Mexicans failed to equalize. They lost the third set by one point and suffered a second successive defeat this year.
Deepika, who was overjoyed by their accomplishment said: “It feels happy.” India so far has won three gold medals. On Saturday compound archer Abhishek Verma opened this tally by winning the individual event.
