NEW DELHI: In a remarkable display of talent and skill, Sangampreet Singh Bisla and Avneet Kaur emerged as the compound archery champions at the 31st World University Games in Chengdu, China on Monday.
India has achieved its highest-ever tally in the sport, securing three gold, one silver, and three bronze medals in the prestigious event.
India has garnered a total of nine gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, securing an impressive fourth position in the overall medal standings. China leads the table with 17 gold, five silver, and four bronze medals, followed by Korea with 10 gold, 10 silver, and four bronze medals, and Japan with 10 gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals.
The gold medals for India all came in the compound section, with Bisla winning the men's individual title, Avneet clinching the women's individual gold, and the mixed team of Saini and Pragati claiming victory in their category.
Adding to their triumph, the Indian compound archery team also secured a silver medal in the women's team event with Avneet, Purvasha Shinde, and Pragati putting up an impressive performance.
In addition to the gold and silver medals, the compound archers from India also secured two bronze medals, one in the men's team event with Rishabh Yadav, Saini, and Bisla, and the other in the men's individual category with Saini's outstanding performance.
However, the recurve archers from India faced some disappointment, managing to secure only one bronze medal in the women's team event with Sangeeta, Tanisha Verma, and Reeta Sawaiyan.
Bisla displayed remarkable composure in the men's individual compound final, edging out Christian Beyers de Klerk of South Africa with a score of 149-147 to claim the gold medal. Bisla had earlier triumphed in a thrilling semifinal shoot-off against his compatriot Saini, with both archers tied at 147 points after the regulation five rounds.
Saini, who had previously won the compound mixed team gold with Pragati, secured redemption in the bronze place playoff by defeating Frenchman Victor Bouleau with a score of 148-146, concluding the Games with a remarkable three medals (one gold and two bronze).
Avneet showcased her exceptional skills in the women's individual compound final, triumphing over Alyssa Grace Sturgill of the United States in a tense shoot-off. After tying at 144 points following five ends, Avneet's perfect 10 in the shoot-off secured her the gold, with Alyssa managing 8 points.
Avneet's outstanding performance didn't end there, as she had earlier won a silver medal in the compound women's team event alongside Purvasha and Pragati.
Overall, India's compound archers have displayed outstanding prowess, contributing significantly to the nation's success at the 31st World University Games. Their stellar performances have brought pride and glory to the country on the international stage.
(With PTI inputs)
