Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 2: The Indian women’s recurve team of Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod and Kirti stunned 10-time champions South Korea 5-3 to win India’s first-ever gold in the event at the Asian Games here on Friday.

The historic victory came in India’s first-ever appearance in the Asian Games women’s recurve team final at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square.

India had earlier won bronze medals in the event in 2010 and 2022 after losing in the semi-finals. South Korea, meanwhile, had not lost a final since the inaugural Asian Games in 1982 until Friday.

India defeated China 5-1 in the semi-final to enter the recurve team final for the first time.

The opening set was evenly contested, with both teams scoring 54-54 and taking one point each.

South Korea started the second set strongly with scores of 10, 9 and 9. India responded with a 10 before Kirti scored 8 and Ankita produced a crucial 10.

South Korea then hit 10, 9 and 9. Ankita followed with a shot right at the centre, while Kirti scored 8, putting pressure on 17-year-old Kumkum. The youngster held her nerve to score a 10 and help India tie the set, making the score 2-2.

South Korea opened the third set with an 8 before recovering with 10 and 9. India responded with a 10 and two 9s.

The Koreans then struggled, recording three successive 8s, giving India an opportunity to take the set. India followed with 8 and 9 before Kumkum delivered a 10 to seal the set and put India 4-2 ahead.

South Korea began the fourth set with two 9s and a 10, while India recorded two 8s and a 9.

The Koreans then shot 8, 9 and 9, leaving India needing a strong finish. Kirti began the final sequence with a 9, followed by another 9 from Ankita, before Kumkum struck a decisive 10.

The result tied the set and gave India the required point for a 5-3 victory, securing a historic gold medal.