Aichi-Nagoya/Okazaki, Japan: Seventeen-year-old Indian archer Kumkum Anil Mohod created history on Saturday by winning the gold medal in the women’s individual recurve archery event at the 2026 Asian Games. She defeated South Korea’s Oh Ye-jin in a dramatic shoot-off after the final was tied 5-5. In the decisive single-arrow shoot-off, Oh Ye-jin scored 8, while Kumkum hit a perfect 10 to seal the gold.
Kumkum’s victory marks the first time an Indian woman has won an individual recurve gold medal at the Asian Games. The final was held at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square in Japan.
Kumkum Makes Stunning Comeback After Falling Behind
The final was closely contested from the beginning. Oh Ye-jin took an early 3-1 lead after the opening two sets. Kumkum then levelled the contest by producing three consecutive 10s in the third set.
Oh regained the advantage in the fourth set, taking a 5-3 lead. With just a draw in the fifth set needed to secure the title, the South Korean archer was in a strong position.
However, Kumkum produced another remarkable comeback. She shot 10-10-10 for a perfect 30 in the fifth set, forcing the match into a 5-5 tie and sending it to a shoot-off.
Perfect 10 in Shoot-Off Seals Historic Gold
The decisive moment came with a single-arrow shoot-off.
Oh Ye-jin shot an 8, leaving the door open for the Indian teenager. Kumkum remained composed under pressure and fired a perfect 10 into the centre of the target.
That single arrow secured the Asian Games gold medal and completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the competition.
Kumkum had already been part of India's historic women's recurve team gold, alongside Ankita Bhakat and Kirti, giving India its first-ever Asian Games gold in the women's recurve team event.
Her individual gold also earned India a quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to reports.
