India’s Mixed Recurve Duo Stuns Japan to Reach Asian Games Final
Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara overcome a deficit to beat Japan 5-3, securing an Asian Games final and eyeing LA 2028 Olympic quotas.
In a thrilling display of resilience, India’s mixed recurve archery duo, Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara, staged a spectacular comeback to defeat Japan 5-3 in a high-stakes semifinal at the Asian Games 2026. The victory not only catapults the pair into the gold-medal match but also brings them a massive step closer to securing direct qualification quotas for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
A Dramatic Comeback from a 1-3 Deficit
The match began with the Indian pair struggling to find their rhythm. After losing the opening set 17-19 and seeing the second set end in a 36-36 deadlock, India found themselves trailing 3-1 against a clinical Japanese side. With their backs against the wall, the pressure was immense.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third set. Kumkum Mohod showcased her nerves of steel by hitting two perfect 10s, while Dhiraj Bommadevara contributed a 9 and a 10. This surge allowed India to post 39 points, outperforming Japan's 35 and leveling the match at 3-3.
Final Arrow Decides the Semifinal
The fourth and deciding set was a nail-biter that went down to the very last shot. The tension was palpable as Japan briefly took the lead with a score of 19-18 after the first two arrows. India responded with a 9 from Kumkum and a crucial 10 from Dhiraj, bringing their total to 37.
Japan needed a massive 18 points from their final two arrows just to force a tie, or 19 to win the set. While Nanami Asakuno managed a 9, Junya Nakanishi could only manage a 7 with his final arrow, handing India the 5-3 victory and a place in the final.
Eyeing Gold and Olympic Glory
India is now set to face China in the mixed recurve gold-medal match, following China's victory over South Korea in the other semifinal. The stakes could not be higher; the winner of this event earns a direct Olympic qualification quota for both a man and a woman for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
A Golden Day for Indian Archery
This victory adds to an already historic day for the Indian archery contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Earlier on Friday, the women's recurve team—comprising Kumkum, Ankita Bhakat, and Kirti Sharma—claimed a landmark gold medal by defeating South Korea 5-3, marking India's first-ever gold in this specific event at the Asian Games.
The momentum continues as the Indian men's recurve team, featuring Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, and Yashdeep Bhoge, prepares to face Iran in their semifinal later today.