Asian Games 2026: For the first time in 75 years, India won gold by defeating the champions in the final

Asian Games 2026 Archery Gold Medal: India won its 11th Gold medal in the 2026 Asian Games. The Women's Recurve Team created history in Archery by defeating South Korea 5-3. India's feat, Kumkum and Ankita excelled in difficult conditions to emerge victorious. This is the first time in the 75-year history of the Asian Games that the Indian women's recurve team has won a gold medal in the Asian Games.

The match was very tight right from the start. Due to the adverse conditions, it was extremely difficult for both teams to make a perfect 10 shots. Both teams took a total of 48 shots, out of which only 12 shots hit ten shots. Difficult situations also saw 7 and 8 shots from both teams<>

India wins 11th Gold Medal
India and South Korea were tied 54-54 in the first set. In the second set too, both teams were tied 56-56. India took a significant lead in the third set, securing the set with a 55-51 win and two valuable points. At this point, India had a 4-2 lead.

India wanted at least a draw in the final set. All hope rested on Kumkum, who was determined to be satisfied with anything less than 10 on her final shot. If Kumkum had not hit 10 shots, the match would have been tied and the outcome would have been decided by a shoot-off.

defeated champion South Korea 
South Korea have always been champions in archery, winning a total of 94 medals in the sport. In women's recurve archery, South Korea is a 10-time Olympic champion, a former world champion, and has dominated the Asian Games over the years. However, India's fame, Kumkum and Ankita created history by winning gold medals.

Archery Fourth Gold
2026 This is India's fourth gold medal in Archery at the Asian Games. Earlier, India had won gold medals in the Women's Team Compound, Mixed Team Compound and Men's Team Compound events. India's medal tally now stands at 67.