In a standout performance at the Archery World Cup, Indian archers Deepika Kumari and Parth Salunkhe advanced to the semifinals after defeating higher-ranked and Olympic-medallist opponents in their respective events. Their victories have brought renewed attention to India's archery program and raised expectations for podium finishes in the prestigious tournament.
Deepika Kumari, returning to top-tier international competition after a brief break from the sport, showcased her trademark consistency and composure in the women's recurve event. She faced off against an experienced Olympic medallist in the quarterfinals and held her nerve in a tight shootout to secure a narrow but convincing win. This marks one of her most important victories in recent years as she aims to reclaim her spot among the world's elite.
Parth Salunkhe, one of the rising stars in Indian archery, also made headlines by defeating a highly decorated Olympic medallist in the men’s recurve quarterfinal. Salunkhe, known for his strong mental game and precise technique, demonstrated maturity beyond his years in a high-pressure contest. His progress to the semifinals underlines his growing stature and potential to become a regular feature in India’s senior national team.
Both archers credited their success to focused training, strong support from their coaching teams, and experience gained from domestic and international events. Speaking after his match, Parth Salunkhe said, “I was confident going into the match. I stuck to my plan and stayed calm even when the scores were tight. Winning against such an experienced opponent gives me a lot of confidence.”
Deepika Kumari, a former world number one, said her return to form felt gratifying. “Every match is a challenge at this level, and I’m happy with how I performed today. It’s encouraging to win against a world-class athlete, and I’m looking forward to the next round.”
The Archery Association of India (AAI) has praised both athletes for their remarkable performances, noting that such results reflect the positive impact of focused training camps and increased international exposure for Indian archers. With Olympic qualification pathways still open, the Archery World Cup performances play a key role in boosting rankings and confidence.
India’s performance at this edition of the Archery World Cup has been promising overall, with multiple archers reaching advanced rounds. The emergence of younger athletes like Parth, along with the continued excellence of experienced names like Deepika, suggests a healthy pipeline of talent.
As they head into the semifinals, both archers will face strong competition from top seeds and former world champions. However, the morale in the Indian camp remains high, and preparations are underway to ensure that the archers stay focused and injury-free.
The semifinals are scheduled for later this week, and fans across the country will be eagerly watching, hoping that Deepika Kumari and Parth Salunkhe can continue their impressive run and bring medals home.
