Asian Archery Championships: Ankita Bhakat Claims First Major Gold as India Ends Korea’s Dominance

Ankita Bhakat had a career-defining performance at the 24th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, causing one of India's biggest upsets in recent archery history.

Ankita Bhakat had a career-defining performance at the 24th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, causing one of India’s biggest upsets in recent archery history. She overcame Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Nam Suhyeon in a nail-biting five-set final to win the recurve women’s gold medal. The victory was spectacular, as Bhakat defeated the Korean archer 7-3 to win her first individual continental title. India won its first gold medal in the women’s recurve individual event.

The contest stayed tight at 3-3 until Bhakat showed remarkable composure. She hit four 10s in her final six arrows and won with a decisive nine. Earlier, she defeated her senior teammate and former world number one, Deepika Kumari, in a thrilling semifinal. Bhakat stated that competing in the Archery Premier League increased her confidence and allowed her to remain calm under pressure.

India’s celebrations continued as Dhiraj Bommadevara broke Korea’s long-standing dominance in the men’s recurve category, winning another gold medal. After losing the opening set in the semifinals to Jang Chaehwan, he recovered and defeated compatriot Rahul Rahul in the final. 

India’s victories ended Korea’s 12-year reign in the men’s team event, capping a historic day for Indian archery in Dhaka.

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