India’s archery contingent delivered a spectacular performance at the World University Games in Germany, with Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal producing a thrilling victory to capture the gold medal in the mixed compound event. Their triumph over South Korea’s Yerin Park and Seunghyun Park in a nail-biting finish added a golden glow to India’s campaign and reflected the team’s growing composure and precision on the global stage.
Parneet and Dalal Script Golden History
In the closely fought final, Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal maintained their focus under immense pressure. South Korea, known for its archery dominance, fielded a strong pair in Yerin Park and Seunghyun Park. The final stretched to the wire, with both teams exchanging high scores throughout the four ends.
Parneet and Dalal showed mental resilience in the final end. They delivered two perfect 10s when it mattered the most, sealing the gold with clinical accuracy. The match showcased high-quality archery, strategy, and synchrony between the Indian pair. Their composed finish silenced critics and sent a strong message to the global archery community—India no longer crumbles under pressure.
Parneet Kaur expressed joy after the final, emphasizing teamwork and preparation. “We trained hard for moments like this. Kushal and I supported each other and stuck to our process. The pressure pushed us to perform better,” she said.
Dalal, equally elated, praised Parneet’s steadiness and reflected on the final arrow. “We believed in each shot. That last arrow—that 10—was for India,” he stated with pride.
Women’s Compound Team Wins Bronze
Earlier in the day, the women’s compound archery team ensured India opened its medal account with a dominant performance in the bronze medal match. The trio of Parneet Kaur, Avneet Kaur, and Madhura Dhamangaonkar overcame Great Britain’s Chloe A’Bear, Hallie Boulton, and Grace Chappell with a convincing 232-224 win.
From the start, the Indian team controlled the tempo of the match. They shot consistent 9s and 10s, rarely allowing the British side a chance to recover. Avneet brought intensity and rhythm to the team’s early arrows, while Madhura anchored the crucial third positions with poise. Parneet, already a standout performer, played a dual role—guiding her teammates while preparing for her mixed event.
The bronze not only boosted the team’s morale but also reaffirmed India’s strength in the women’s compound discipline. All three archers displayed discipline, synergy, and sharp focus, making their win a comprehensive one.
Madhura Dhamangaonkar praised her teammates and noted the growing competitiveness in Indian archery. “We prepared for months, visualized this exact scenario, and executed with belief. Every arrow reflected our commitment,” she said.
Men’s Compound Team Falls Short by One Point
The men’s compound team, comprising Kushal Dalal, Sahil Jadhav, and Hritik Sharma, delivered an equally powerful performance but narrowly missed the top podium. In a gold medal clash against Turkey’s Bauhan Akcaoglu, Yunus Emre Arslan, and Yakum Yildiz, India lost by a single point in a dramatic finish.
The final unfolded with incredible intensity. India matched Turkey arrow for arrow, ending each end with minimal margin differences. With both teams locked neck and neck going into the final end, a single 9 from India gave the Turkish side the decisive advantage.
Despite the loss, the Indian trio earned admiration for their aggressive approach and tight formations. Dalal remained the backbone of the team, while Sahil brought energy and Hritik added composure. Their performance, although silver in color, represented gold in spirit and technique.
After the match, Sahil Jadhav admitted the narrow defeat stung but viewed it as a learning experience. “One point makes all the difference in compound archery. We’ll come back stronger,” he affirmed. Hritik Sharma echoed the sentiment, saying, “We gave everything. This medal will push us for future tournaments.”
India Eyes More Medals in Individual Events
The Indian archers aren’t done yet. Kushal Dalal and Sahil Jadhav will meet in an all-India semifinal clash in the men’s compound individual category, ensuring the nation locks at least one spot in the final. Their matchup promises high-quality action, as both archers bring unique styles and formidable form to the line.
Dalal, with his recent mixed team gold and silver in the team event, carries strong momentum. However, Sahil Jadhav has shown sharp precision throughout the tournament and will look to dethrone his teammate and secure a place in the gold medal match.
Meanwhile, Parneet Kaur remains in contention for a third medal, having qualified for the women’s individual compound semifinal. She will face South Korea’s S Kim, a technically sound and experienced archer. Parneet’s current form and mental strength make her a strong favorite, but Kim’s track record ensures this semifinal clash will not be easy.
If Parneet wins, she will reach her third final of the tournament, capping an extraordinary campaign. Her consistency has stood out, and her performance will play a major role in deciding India’s final medal tally in archery.
India’s Archery Growth in Global Context
India’s recent success at the World University Games underscores the country’s rising status in global compound archery. While countries like South Korea, the USA, and Turkey have long dominated the sport, India has rapidly bridged the gap.
The performance in Germany, led by young talents like Parneet, Kushal, Sahil, and Madhura, indicates a robust pipeline of archers ready for elite competition. Indian archers now possess not just skill but also the mental toughness and composure required for crunch situations.
National coach and support staff deserve credit for nurturing talent and ensuring systematic growth. Consistent exposure to international competitions, investments in training, and data-driven analysis have enhanced athlete performance and recovery.
India’s archery federation also scheduled rigorous domestic competitions before the games, enabling players to build match fitness and replicate high-pressure environments.
Conclusion: A Glorious Chapter with More to Come
India’s archery campaign at the World University Games in Germany has already yielded a gold, silver, and bronze. The gold medal performance by Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal in the mixed compound event stands as a defining moment of the tournament.
With two Indian archers set to battle in the men’s individual semifinal and Parneet eyeing another final, India’s medal tally is bound to rise. These performances highlight India’s depth in compound archery and reflect the country’s readiness to dominate the sport globally.
Parneet and Dalal have not only brought medals but also hope, setting the tone for a generation of Indian archers hungry for international glory.
