The Indian compound archery team faced setbacks at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 held in Antalya, Turkey, from June 3-8, 2025. Despite strong performances in previous stages, including a notable showing at the Shanghai stage, the compound archers struggled to replicate their success in Turkey.
In the Stage 3 competition, Madhura Dhamangaonkar showcased her potential by finishing fourth in the compound women's qualification round. Her performance helped India secure the third seeding, earning the women's team a direct entry into the quarterfinals. Madhura's comeback to the international circuit has been remarkable, highlighted by her three medals at Stage 2 in Shanghai, where she secured an individual gold, a silver in the women's team event, and a mixed team bronze alongside Abhishek Verma. In Antalya, she scored just three points behind South Korea's Han Seungyeon, demonstrating her consistency and skill. Her top-four finish also granted her a bye in the second round of the individual compound event.
However, other team members faced challenges. Among the other Indian women, Chikitha Taniparthi finished 11th, while Jyothi Surekha Vennam, a multiple World Cup gold medalist, had a relatively subdued performance, ranking 19th. In the men's compound category, India secured fifth place in the team event. Rishabh Yadav was the highest-ranked Indian in individual qualification, finishing 13th, while veteran Abhishek Verma and reigning world champion Ojas Deotale were placed 29th and 34th, respectively.
The recurve archers also experienced mixed results. Dhiraj Bommadevara was placed 13th in the men's qualification round, followed by Atanu Das in 15th, and Parth Salunkhe, a bronze medalist from the previous World Cup stage, in 26th place. The team secured a fifth-place ranking. The Indian women's recurve archers faced difficulties, failing to make a significant impact.
World Archery implemented some rule changes at the Antalya stage, including the X-ring being worth 11 points instead of 10, and qualification rounds featuring 60 arrows instead of 72. These changes aimed to create more separation among competitors, especially in the compound division, where scores have become increasingly tight.
The Indian contingent for the Antalya Archery World Cup comprised 16 members, including Deepika Kumari, Ojas Deotale, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam. India had previously achieved commendable results in earlier stages, securing four medals in Auburndale and seven medals in Shanghai. At the Shanghai stage, Madhura Dhamangaonkar and the men's team of Ojas Deotale, Abhishek Verma, and Rishabh Yadav won gold medals. The women's team won silver, while the mixed team and Rishabh Yadav claimed bronze medals.
While the Indian compound archers faced setbacks in Turkey, their journey through the Archery World Cup 2025 has been marked by notable achievements and promising performances. The team will aim to regroup and improve as they move forward to the subsequent stages, with their eyes set on the World Cup Final in Nanjing, China, in October.