Indian compound archers excel in Shanghai World Cup Stage 2

Indian compound archers shine at Archery World Cup Stage-2 in Shanghai with five medals, including two gold victories.

Indian compound archers won five medals, including two gold in women’s individual and men’s team events, at the Archery World Cup Stage-2 in Shanghai on Saturday.

Twenty-four-year-old Madhura Dhamangaonkar won the women’s individual gold apart from claiming a women’s team silver, her first international medal, and a mixed team bronze.

Madhura, who made her lone World Cup Stage appearance in Medellin in 2022, overcame Hazal Burun in the semifinals. The Indian displayed her mental strength as she stayed ahead despite the Turkish archer’s fightback and recorded a 143-141 win to reach the final.

In the title clash, which swung from side to side, Madhura managed a narrow 139-138 victory over American Carson Krahe to pick up her maiden gold medal.

“I’ve improved a lot of things. I have been working on my mental strength and my shooting skills,” Madhura told World Archery.

Her personal coach Pravin Sawant saw a bright future for Madhura, who hails from Amravati, Maharashtra. “After she joined our academy two years back, we worked on technical, equipment and mental aspects of her game. Bigger events, such as the World championships and the Olympics, are coming up. She has a long way to go,” Sawant of Drushti Archery Academy, Satara, told The Hindu.

Rishabh Yadav, meanwhile, secured an individual bronze besides contributing in the men’s team gold medal victory.