India’s women archers produced a sensational performance by defeating two of the world’s strongest archery nations, while China celebrated a historic breakthrough on home soil as Stage 2 of the 2026 Archery World Cup concluded in Shanghai on Sunday.
Led by star archer Deepika Kumari, the Indian women’s recurve team of Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Mohod edged past hosts China in a thrilling final to capture the gold medal.
India Defeats South Korea and China in Stunning Campaign
The Indian trio defeated China’s Zhu Jingyi, Huang Yuwei and Yu Qi 28-26 in a dramatic shoot-off after the final ended level at 4-4 following four intense sets. The victory denied China back-to-back women’s recurve team titles after their triumph at Stage 1 in Puebla.
Earlier in the tournament, the fourth-seeded Indian team delivered another major upset by overpowering 10-time Olympic champions South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals. South Korea later secured the bronze medal.
India’s remarkable run highlighted the country’s growing strength and consistency on the global archery stage, with Deepika Kumari once again playing a key leadership role in a memorable international triumph.
China’s Li Mengqi Shines on Home Soil
China also celebrated a breakthrough moment as Li Mengqi captured the men’s individual recurve title in only his second World Cup appearance.
Li defeated a series of top international stars, including Mexico’s Matias Grande, Taiwan’s top seed Tang Chih-Chun, and Olympic champion Kim Je Deok of South Korea before overcoming Turkiye’s Mete Gazoz in the final.
The Chinese archer later partnered Huang Yuwei to win mixed team recurve gold, defeating South Korea’s Oh Ye-jin and Kim Woo-jin in the championship match. Germany’s Michelle Kroppen and Leon Zemella claimed bronze.
USA Wins Compound Mixed Team Gold
In the compound mixed team event — which will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics — the American duo Alexis Ruiz and James Lutz secured the gold medal by defeating Turkiye’s Hazal Burun and Emircan Haney in the final.
BY: The Times Union
