Ankita Bhakat Dedicates Historic Asian Games Archery Gold to Nation
Archer Ankita Bhakat dedicates historic women's recurve team gold to her family and country after defeating South Korea 5-3 at the Asian Games.
In a moment of pure sporting magic, Indian archer Ankita Bhakat has etched her name into history by securing the women's recurve team gold at the Asian Games. Following a monumental 5-3 victory over the powerhouse South Korean side, Bhakat expressed her immense gratitude, dedicating the historic win to her family, her coaches, and the entire nation.
A Victory for the Ages
The gold medal marks a landmark achievement for Indian archery, representing the first-ever medal won by India in the women's recurve team event at the Asian Games. Facing a South Korean team that has traditionally dominated this discipline, the Indian trio—comprising Ankita Bhakat, 17-year-old Kumkum Anil Mohod, and Kirti Sharma—displayed nerves of steel to claim the top spot on the podium.
Reflecting on the triumph, Bhakat noted that the team's strategy was built on composure rather than pressure. "We didn't come here with the mindset that we had to win gold. We simply focused on the fact that we had worked hard together for the past 2-3 months for this very day," she shared, emphasizing that the team's primary goal was to enjoy the opportunity they had earned.
Emotional Tributes to Family
The victory was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one for Bhakat. She revealed the emotional toll the high-stakes final took on her loved ones back home.
"My family is overjoyed. My mother didn't sleep at all last night because of tension. So she is incredibly happy now. My father is very happy too. My whole family is all delighted. I want to dedicate this medal to my family, all my coaches, the support staff present here, and my entire country," Bhakat told ANI.The Road to Gold: A Thrilling Final
The final was a rollercoaster of precision and tension. India began strongly, with the first two sets ending in deadlocks of 54-54 and 56-56. After the teams were locked at 2-2, India seized control in the third set. Kirti Sharma opened with a brilliant 10, followed by 9s from Bhakat and Mohod, allowing India to win the set 55-51 and take a 4-2 lead.
However, the South Korean side fought back fiercely in the fourth set, leading 28-26 after the first rotation. Facing a critical moment, India needed 28 from their final three arrows to force a tie and stay in the hunt. While Kirti and Ankita both shot 9s, the teenage sensation Kumkum Mohod delivered a clutch 10, securing the tie and eventually sealing the 5-3 victory.
A Dominant Run for Team India
The path to the final was equally impressive, with the Indian women's team defeating China 5-1 in the semifinals. This gold medal stands as India's 12th at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, contributing to a growing medal tally that has reached 70, including 12 gold, 24 silver, and 34 bronze medals.