Archery: Kumkum Mohod Creates History, Wins India’s 17th Gold Medal at Asian Games

New Delhi: India made a great start on the last day of the Asian Games 2026. Young Indian archer Kumkum Anil Mohod created history by winning the gold medal in the women's individual recurve event. In the final, she defeated Oh Yejin of South Korea in a shootoff. With this win, Kumkum became the first Indian to win a medal in the women's individual recurve event at the Asian Games and got India's first gold in the same event. 

How was the competition between Kumkum and Oh Yejin in the finals?

The final was very exciting. Oh Yejin had taken a 3-1 lead after the first two sets. After this, Kumkum made a brilliant comeback and hit all three targets on 10 points in the third set. After the fourth set, the Korean archers again led 5-3.

In the decisive fifth set, Kumkum scored three consecutive 10s to level the match at 5-5. After this the decision was taken in shootoff. Here Oh Yejin scored 8 points, while Kumkum won the gold by scoring a perfect 10.

Whom did Kumkum defeat in the semi-finals?

Before the final, Kumkum had defeated Zhu Jingyi of China 6-2 in the semi-finals. Earlier in the quarter-finals, she had caused a big upset by defeating current world champion Kang Cheong of South Korea 6-4. 

How many medals did Kumkum win in the Asian Games?

This is the third medal of Asian Games 2026 for Kumkum. Earlier, she had won gold in the women's recurve team event with Ankita Bhakat and Kirti Sharma. Apart from this, she won the silver medal in mixed team recurve with Dheeraj Bommadevara. That means 17-year-old Kumkum has won two gold and one silver in this Asian Games. 

What benefit did India get from Kumkum's victory?

Along with reaching the final in women's individual recurve, Kumkum also secured a quota for India at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The country gets this quota. Her gold medal win is also a historic achievement for Indian archery. 

What has India's medal tally reached?

After Kumkum's gold, India's medal count has increased to 77, which includes 17 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze. India remains in the race for medals in many events including cricket and hockey on the last day of the Asian Games.