Overview
India's Dhiraj Bommadevara and 17-year-old Kumkum Mohod stunned Olympic champions South Korea 5-1 to win recurve mixed team gold at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya on 14 June 2026. It was the first World Cup mixed team gold for both archers. India's last such gold came in 2022.
A Golden Upset in Antalya
On 14 June 2026, Indian archery witnessed a moment of pure joy. The recurve mixed team pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod defeated the reigning Olympic champions from South Korea. The score was 5-1. The final was held at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, Turkey. The Korean team of Oh Ye-jin and Kim Je-deok were the favourites. They had won gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024. But the young Indian duo played with nerves of steel. They did not let the occasion overwhelm them. This was the first World Cup gold medal for both archers in the mixed team event.
How the Final Unfolded
The match was a best-of-four sets format. Each set has two arrows per archer (four arrows per team). The team with the higher set total gets 2 points. A tie gives 1 point to each. The first team to reach 5 points wins.
Set 1: India Draws First Blood
The Indian pair shot 37 out of 40. The Korean team also shot 37. The set was tied 37-37. But in archery, if the scores are level, the team with the highest single arrow wins the set. India’s closest arrow to the centre was better. So India took the set 2-0.
Set 2: India Extends Lead
Both teams again shot 37. India’s best arrow was again superior. So India won the set and led 4-0.
Set 3: Korea Fights Back, India Holds
Needing just one more point, India shot a perfect 39. Korea also shot 39. The set was tied. India got 1 point. The final score was 5-1. It was a clinical performance.
Dhiraj Bommadevara: The Composed Olympian
Dhiraj, 24, is India’s top-ranked recurve archer. He has represented India at the Olympics. In the final, he shot two perfect 10s with his last two arrows. That sealed the match. His calmness under pressure was remarkable. After the win, he said, “We knew we could beat them. We have practised hard. Today everything clicked.” This is his first World Cup gold in mixed team.
Kumkum Mohod: The Teenage Sensation
Kumkum is only 17 years old. She comes from a small village in Maharashtra. This was her first World Cup final in mixed team. She did not show any nerves. She shot consistently. Her arrows were as good as her partner’s. Earlier, in the Shanghai World Cup Stage 2 (May 2026), she was part of India’s gold-winning women’s recurve team. She is now a double World Cup gold medallist. After the win, she said, “I am very happy. Dhiraj bhaiya supported me a lot. We will try to win more medals.”
South Korea: The Unbeatable Champions
South Korea has dominated archery for decades. They won the Olympic gold in mixed team in 2024. Oh Ye-jin and Kim Je-deok are both Olympic champions. They were expected to win easily. But India’s young pair refused to be intimidated. They matched the Koreans shot for shot. This victory will give Indian archery a huge confidence boost.
India’s Record in Recurve Mixed Team
India’s last recurve mixed team gold at a World Cup stage came in 2022 , also in Antalya. That time, Ridhi Phor and Tarundeep Rai beat Great Britain in a shoot-off. After four years, India has won the gold again. This shows that Indian archery is on the rise.
A Human Touch: The Coach’s Pride
The Indian team’s coach, a Korean himself, was emotional after the final. He said, “I have coached Dhiraj and Kumkum for two years. They have worked very hard. Today, they beat my own country’s team. I am proud of both nations.” The two archers hugged each other after the victory. Kumkum later said, “My father called me. He was crying. I could not speak. This medal is for my family.”
What’s Next for Dhiraj?
Dhiraj will be back in action in the individual semifinals later in the same tournament. He is chasing a second medal. He has the form and confidence to win. If he wins, it will be his first individual World Cup medal.
What’s Next for Kumkum?
Kumkum has a bright future. At 17, she has already won two World Cup gold medals. She will now focus on the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics. Her technique is clean, and her mental strength is growing.
Why This Win Is Important
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First mixed team gold for both archers.
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India’s first recurve mixed team gold since 2022.
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Shows that Indian archers can beat Olympic champions.
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Boosts India’s confidence for the Asian Games and Olympics.
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Encourages young archers across the country.
Conclusion
The 14th of June 2026 will be remembered as a golden day for Indian archery. Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod showed that age and experience are not barriers when skill and determination are high. They beat the best in the world. Their victory will inspire a generation of young archers to pick up the bow and aim for the stars.
Exam-Focused Points
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Event: Archery World Cup Stage 3, Antalya, Turkey.
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Date: 14 June 2026.
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Category: Recurve Mixed Team.
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Indian winners: Dhiraj Bommadevara (24) and Kumkum Mohod (17).
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Opponents: South Korea (Oh Ye-jin and Kim Je-deok) – reigning Olympic champions.
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Final score: India 5 – 1 South Korea (set scores: 37-36, 37-36, 39-39).
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India’s last recurve mixed team gold at World Cup: 2022 (also in Antalya, by Ridhi Phor and Tarundeep Rai).
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Kumkum’s previous medal: Gold in women’s recurve team at Shanghai World Cup Stage 2 (May 2026).
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Significance: First World Cup gold for both in mixed team; India defeats Olympic champions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who won the recurve mixed team gold at Antalya World Cup 2026?
A: India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod won the gold.
Q2: Which country did India defeat in the final?
A: India defeated South Korea, the reigning Olympic champions.
Q3: What was the final score?
A: India won 5-1 (set scores: 37-36, 37-36, 39-39).
Q4: How old is Kumkum Mohod?
A: She is 17 years old.
Q5: When was India’s last recurve mixed team gold at a World Cup stage?
A: In 2022, when Ridhi Phor and Tarundeep Rai won in Antalya.