Shanghai, May 11 – India's most accomplished archer, Deepika Kumari, demonstrated resilience and determination by winning a bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 on Sunday, following a tough semifinal loss to world No. 1 Lim Sihyeon.
A year after Lim knocked out Deepika at the same stage of the Yecheon World Cup, the 30-year-old four-time Olympian once again faced the Korean in the semifinals. In a one-sided women’s recurve individual contest, Deepika lost 1-7, a result that left her with little chance of reaching the final.
However, Deepika, known for her mental strength, bounced back from the setback in impressive fashion. In the bronze medal playoff, she faced another Korean, Kang Chae Young, and secured a 7-3 victory. This win not only earned her a podium finish but also contributed to India's growing medal tally at the event, with a total of six medals, including five from the compound section, led by Madhura Dhamangankar’s remarkable triple-medal performance.
Bronze Medal Playoff: A Display of Composure and Skill
Deepika's tactical clarity and composure in the bronze medal match stood in stark contrast to her semifinal loss. The opening set ended in a 27-all tie, but Deepika soon took charge, scoring 28 in the second set to take a 3-1 lead. Despite Kang's strong third set performance, where she shot a flawless 30, Deepika kept her focus and responded with a perfect 30 in the fourth set, regaining a 5-3 advantage.With the final set requiring only a draw for victory, Deepika delivered a solid 29, narrowly beating Kang's 28, to secure the bronze. This well-executed performance was a testament to Deepika’s ability to rebound under pressure.
Semifinal Heartbreak
Earlier in the day, Deepika struggled in the semifinal against Lim Sihyeon, with the match turning in the Korean’s favor after a few crucial set points. Despite a strong start from Deepika, who managed two 9s in the first set, Lim dominated the subsequent rounds. After an even second set, where both archers shot 28, Lim found her rhythm and sealed the match with a perfect 30 in the third set. With momentum fully on her side, Lim won the match 7-1, mirroring their 2023 encounter where Deepika had taken two set points but ultimately fell short.Looking Ahead: Parth Salunkhe’s Bid for Another Medal
India's archers remain in contention for another medal in the recurve section, with Parth Salunkhe set to compete in the bronze medal playoff. Salunkhe, who faced the legendary Kim Woojin in the men's semifinal, lost 4-6 and will now aim for a podium finish in the final stages of the competition.With this bronze, Deepika Kumari's performance continues to underscore her status as one of India’s finest archers, a testament to her perseverance and skill in the face of adversity.