India’s Toman Kumar emerged victorious in the compound men’s open final at the World Archery Para Championships 2025, securing the gold medal after compatriot Rakesh Kumar was forced to withdraw due to an equipment malfunction.
The final, held in Gwangju, Korea, was expected to be a close contest between two of India’s top para archers. However, Rakesh’s bow malfunctioned after just four shots, leaving him unable to continue and handing the title to Toman. Despite the anticlimactic finish, Toman’s journey to the final was marked by grit and precision—he edged past Shyam Sunder Swami 144–143 in a tense semifinal, while Rakesh had defeated Britain’s Nathan MacQueen 147–143 to reach the summit clash.
This win adds to India’s growing medal tally at the Para Worlds, where Sheetal Devi also made headlines by winning her maiden gold in the women’s compound open final. The Indian contingent’s performance in Gwangju reflects the country’s rising stature in international para archery.
Officials praised the athletes for their resilience and sportsmanship, and the Archery Association of India expressed pride in the team’s achievements.
