India men compound archery gold clinched historic first-ever victory at the 2025 World Archery Championship in Gwangju, with Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Fuge making history.
Historic Gold for Indian Men’s Compound Archery Team at World Championships
First-Ever World Championship Gold Seals India’s Archery Landmark
In an electrifying finals clash at the 2025 World Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, the Indian men’s compound archery team etched their names in history by clinching their first-ever gold medal in this category. The trio of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge overcame a strong French lineup in a breathtaking 235–233 showdown
A Comeback Built on Tenacity and Late Brilliance
Trailing early in the final match, India found themselves two points behind after the first end. But a stunning turnaround propelled by six consecutive 10s, culminating in Fuge’s final arrow—another perfect 10—pushed India to victory. The final score, tied at 176 apiece through three rounds, swung in India’s favor in a high-pressure final that demonstrated composure and focus
Tactical Tweaks That Turned the Tide
A strategic change by chief coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja played a pivotal role. During their opening-round clash with Australia, India altered their shooting order: Yadav now opened, Saini followed, and Fuge closed—this shift helped unlock their rhythm and contributed to their momentum through the tournament
Dual Medals: A Day of Mixed Fortunes
Earlier in the day, Rishabh Yadav, alongside veteran Jyothi Surekha Vennam, narrowly missed gold in the mixed team event, settling for silver after a close 155–157 loss to the Netherlands However, Yadav’s silver followed by the team’s gold encapsulated an extraordinary haul in a single day, reflecting both resilience and versatility.
What This Victory Means for Indian Archery
This milestone win not only marks a first in the men’s compound category, but it also underscores India’s growing dominance in international archery. Rishabh Yadav’s value to the team is clear—he’s now a world record-holder (with Jyothi in mixed team), a World Cup medalist, and a World Champion—all in the same year
B) Why This News Is Important
A Triumph of Firsts
This victory represents India’s historic first gold in the men’s compound team event at the World Archery Championships. Such a feat not only elevates the nation’s status in archery but also builds confidence across other emerging sporting disciplines.
Inspiring Emerging Talent
The performance of the young trio—especially 23-year-old Rishabh Yadav and 22-year-old Prathamesh Fuge—serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes. It highlights that with rigorous domestic competition and strategic coaching, newer athletes can outperform established stars on the world stage
Enhancing India’s Archery Legacy
India is no stranger to archery success, but this reinforces growth in compound archery alongside recurve disciplines. With compound events entering the Olympics in 2028, such triumphs position India as a genuine medal contender in future Games
Demonstrating Mental Fortitude and Tactical Growth
India’s comeback narrative—from trailing early to dominating the final end—showcases maturity and mental strength. The success also underlines the importance of adaptability and smart decision-making in high-stakes environments.
C) Historical Context
India’s Compound Archery Journey to Global Gold
- Compound archery is a relatively newer competitive discipline for India. Prior to this, the country had not made it to a World Championship medal match in the men’s compound team category
- Indian compound archery has steadily risen, with archers like Ojas Deotale, a 2023 World Champion in individual compound, laying the groundwork for broader success
- The duo of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav set a new world record in the mixed compound team during the 2025 Archery World Cup in Madrid, scoring 1431 points with 70 Xs—breaking the previous record of 1429
- The domestic competitive environment has intensified, with selection trials becoming fiercer; qualification now demands 350+ scores instead of 340 previously, reflecting deeper talent emerging from a robust system
D) Key Takeaways from India’s Historic Compound Gold
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India’s men’s compound archery team won its first-ever World Championship gold, defeating France 235–233. |
| 2 | The final featured a dramatic comeback, with six consecutive 10s and Fuge’s perfect closing arrow. |
| 3 | A strategic change in shooting order (Yadav–Saini–Fuge) during early rounds proved critical. |
| 4 | Rishabh Yadav bagged dual medals—silver in mixed team and gold in men’s team—on the same day. |
| 5 | The win cements India’s rising stature in compound archery, boosting Olympic prospects for 2028. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who were the members of the Indian men’s compound archery team that won gold in 2025?
The team consisted of Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, and Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge.
2. Which country did India defeat in the final to win gold?
India defeated France with a score of 235–233.
3. Did any Indian archer win multiple medals at the 2025 World Archery Championships?
Yes, Rishabh Yadav won silver in the mixed team event and gold in the men’s compound team event on the same day.
4. What was the significance of the shooting order change by the Indian team?
The new shooting order—Yadav opening, Saini in the middle, Fuge closing—helped India maintain rhythm and composure, crucial for their comeback and eventual victory.
5. What record did Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam set in 2025?
They set a new world record in the mixed compound team event at the Archery World Cup in Madrid, scoring 1431 points with 70 Xs, breaking the previous record of 1429.
6. Why is this gold important for Indian archery?
It’s India’s first-ever gold in men’s compound team at World Championships, demonstrating rising global competitiveness and boosting Olympic prospects for 2028.
7. Where was the 2025 World Archery Championship held?
The championship took place in Gwangju, South Korea.
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