India’s long-standing struggle in recurve archery continued at the World Archery Championships 2025, as the team failed to secure a medal in the Olympic discipline for the third consecutive edition.
The country’s final hope, 15-year-old Gatha Khadake, bowed out in the pre-quarterfinals, losing 6-0 to reigning Olympic champion Lim Si-hyeon of South Korea.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Gatha’s fearless debut run offered a glimmer of promise for the future. Lim, a triple gold medallist from the Paris Olympics, dominated the match from the outset, opening with three perfect 10s and never allowing the young Indian to settle.
India’s other top contenders also faltered. Deepika Kumari, a six-time Worlds participant, exited in the first round after a scrappy five-set loss to Indonesia’s Diananda Choirunisa. Dhiraj Bommadevara, India’s top-ranked male recurve archer, was eliminated in his opener by Tokyo Olympic champion Mete Gazoz, following a poor qualification round.
India’s medal tally at the event came solely from the compound section, where the men’s team of Rishabh Yadav, Prathamesh Fuge, and Aman Saini clinched a historic gold. Yadav also partnered with Jyothi Surekha Vennam to win silver in the mixed team event.
