India’s golden archery mix: A legend, a teenager and a reliable star shine on World Cup stage

Indian archers continued their rise with a thrilling display of nerves and precision at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on May 10, 2026, where the women’s recurve team clinched the gold medal by defeating hosts China 5-4 in a tense shoot-off.

The trio of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod held their composure against the heavyweights China. Veteran Deepika helped the team, sealing the win with a crucial 9 with her final shot in the shoot-off.

Just days earlier, the trio had stunned the mighty South Korea, 10-time Olympic champions and top seeds, 5-1 in the semifinals. This victory ended a five-year wait for India’s women’s recurve team World Cup gold.

Below we take a look at the stars who made the historic World Cup gold possible for India.

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Deepika Kumari: The veteran

Deepika Kumari was the senior most member of the team and also served as the coach of the side as the appointment for a full-time coach is yet to be made. She is a stalwart of Indian archery and has represented the country four times at the Olympics. A former World No. 1, the 31-year-old is already a two-time World Championships silver medallist.

This was Deepika’s 39th Archery World Cup medal and her seventh World Cup team gold. For her performances with the bow, she has been awarded with the Padma Shri by the Indian government.

Ankita Bhakat: The reliable star

Ankita Bhakat, the reliable left-hander from Kolkata, has been among the best Indian archers for the past few years. She outperformed her team members, including the veteran Deepika, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Bhakat has already won Asian Games and Championships medals and missed a medal at the Olympics after finishing fourth.

Kumkum Mohod: Teenage sensation

Kumkum Anil Mohod is a teenage archery sensation who has won an Archery World Cup medal for the first time. The 17-year-old from Amravati, Maharashtra, is the team’s rising star and delivered steady performances throughout the tournament. She topped national trials to break into the team and in the final moments of the match, when the pressure was at its highest, shot a 10 to tilt things in favour of India.