The Indian women’s recurve archery team has secured a spot in the bronze medal final at the 2025 World Archery Championships held in Gwangju, South Korea. Comprising four-time Olympian Deepika Kumari, young prodigy Gatha Khadake, and Ankita Bhakat, the team showcased resilience and skill, advancing through intense matchups before narrowly losing to Japan 2-6 in the semifinals on September 8.
India’s third-seeded trio entered the championships with strong credentials, finishing third in the team qualification round behind powerhouse nations South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Deepika led the pack with a sixth-place individual qualification score of 677 points, followed by Gatha’s impressive 14th place (666 points) and Ankita’s solid 30th (656 points). This combined performance guaranteed them a bye into the second round, where they defeated 10th-seeded Slovenia 5-1 and later dominated Turkey 6-2 to reach the semifinal stage.
The semifinal against Japan proved challenging. Despite valiant efforts, including consistent mid-50 level scoring from the Indian archers, Japan’s precision and experience secured the win. India will now face perennial champions South Korea in the bronze medal playoff, presenting a chance to claim their first women’s team medal at the World Championships since 2015.
Deepika, a former world number one with a decade-long international career, expressed optimism ahead of the bronze final: “Every match here tests our nerves and skill. Facing South Korea is a tough challenge, but we are prepared and hungry to bring home a medal for India.” Gatha, the team’s 15-year-old rising star, has drawn attention for her composure under pressure and rapid progression on the world stage. Ankita’s consistent performances and steady presence anchor the team.
India’s campaign contrasts with challenges faced by other national recurve teams: the Indian men’s recurve team faced an early exit, losing narrowly to Denmark in a shoot-off, while the mixed recurve team also missed a deep run. Yet, the women’s team remains India’s strongest medal contender.
The significance of the team’s performance extends beyond the medals. Indian archery is witnessing a generational transition, with young talents like Gatha Khadake complementing seasoned veterans such as Deepika and Ankita. This blend promises a bright future on the global stage.
The bronze medal match is eagerly anticipated for September 10, where India will challenge South Korea’s formidable squad — a team that recently broke a women’s team qualification world record. Analysts expect a tense, high-quality contest where psychological resilience will be as crucial as technical ability.
In summary, India’s women’s recurve team’s advance to the bronze final at the 2025 World Archery Championships reflects their skill, determination, and the healthy progression of Indian archery. A medal win would end a ten-year wait, boosting confidence ahead of future international competitions and the Olympic cycle.
