India Remain in Medal Hunt as Recurve Mixed Team Reaches Bronze Medal Match in Archery World Cup Madrid
India's recurve mixed team remains in contention for a podium finish at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid after advancing to the bronze medal match despite a closely contested semifinal defeat against China.
The pairing of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti produced another strong campaign, defeating the Netherlands and Japan in the knockout rounds before narrowly losing 5-3 to China in the semifinals. The Indian duo will now face Italy in the bronze medal match as they aim to finish the tournament with a medal.
While the recurve mixed team kept India's medal hopes alive, it proved to be a disappointing day in the team events. Both the men's and women's recurve teams exited in the quarterfinals after defeats to the United States, while the compound mixed team suffered a heartbreaking shoot-off loss to Mexico.
India's recurve mixed pair enjoyed an impressive journey through the knockout rounds in Madrid. The campaign began with a convincing 6-2 victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 16. The Indian duo looked composed from the outset, shooting consistently high scores and maintaining control throughout the contest.
That victory earned a quarterfinal clash against Japan, another traditionally strong nation in recurve archery. Once again, Dhiraj and Kirti rose to the occasion. The Indian pair delivered a disciplined performance to defeat Japan 5-3, securing a place in the semifinals and guaranteeing themselves two opportunities to fight for a medal. The victory also reflected the growing understanding between the two archers, who combined solid individual performances with excellent teamwork under pressure.
Standing between India and the gold medal match was a formidable Chinese pairing. The semifinal proved to be one of the closest contests of the day, with both teams matching each other through several ends. India remained in contention throughout the match, but China capitalised on crucial moments to secure a narrow 5-3 victory, ending India's hopes of reaching the final.
Despite the defeat, Dhiraj and Kirti produced another competitive performance against one of the strongest teams in international recurve archery. Rather than exiting the competition, the loss means India will now have another opportunity to finish on the podium when they face Italy in the bronze medal match.
India's final challenge in the recurve mixed event will come against Italy. The Italians have consistently been among Europe's strongest recurve teams and are expected to provide another difficult test. However, India's performances throughout the tournament offer reasons for optimism. Victories over the Netherlands and Japan demonstrated the pair's ability to perform under knockout pressure, while their closely fought semifinal against China showed they are capable of matching the world's leading teams.
A victory against Italy would secure another World Cup medal for India and cap an encouraging campaign in Madrid.
Earlier in the competition, India's recurve men's team saw its campaign come to an end in the quarterfinals. The trio of Yashdeep Bhoge, Dhiraj Bommadevara, and Neeraj Chauhan faced the United States in a difficult encounter. The Americans shot with remarkable consistency throughout the match, winning all three sets to complete a dominant 6-0 victory.
India struggled to recover after a slow start, recording team scores of 53, 55, and 56, while the United States consistently posted high totals of 56, 59, and 58. Although the result was disappointing, reaching the quarterfinals once again demonstrated India's ability to compete regularly in the knockout stages of major international events.
India's women's recurve team also bowed out at the quarterfinal stage after another defeat to the United States. The Indian trio of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti, and Kumkum Mohod fought hard throughout the contest but eventually lost 6-2. The opening set finished level after both teams scored 52, earning one set point each.
However, the Americans gradually took control of the match by winning the next three sets through consistent shooting under pressure. Despite moments of quality from the Indian archers, the United States proved more clinical during the decisive arrows, ending India's hopes in the women's team competition.
India's compound mixed team endured one of the closest defeats of the tournament. The pairing of Sahil Jadhav and Prithika Pradeep finished level with Mexico after both teams recorded 153 points in their quarterfinal encounter. With the scores tied, the contest moved to a one-arrow shoot-off.
India's arrow landed in the 10-ring, but Mexico's shot finished marginally closer to the centre, earning them the higher score on the tie-break (20-19) and securing their place in the semifinals. For the Indian duo, it was a painful end to an otherwise competitive performance, with only millimetres separating progression from elimination.
Mixed Team Keeps India's Medal Hopes Alive
Despite setbacks in the team competitions, India's recurve mixed team has ensured the country remains in contention for another medal in Madrid. The performances of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti throughout the tournament have once again highlighted India's growing strength in mixed team events, where communication, rhythm, and consistency often prove decisive.
With the bronze medal match against Italy still to come, India has another opportunity to add to its medal tally at the fourth stage of the Archery World Cup. Combined with the impressive run of the women's compound team, which has already secured a place in the gold medal match, India's archers continue to demonstrate their competitiveness across multiple disciplines on the international circuit.
As the tournament enters its final stages, all eyes will now be on Dhiraj and Kirti as they look to convert an impressive campaign into a podium finish and ensure India leaves Madrid with another valuable World Cup medal.
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