Okazaki:South Korea narrowly missed out on a historic eighth consecutive Asian Games gold in the women's team recurve archery event, settling for silver after a close defeat to India.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean team, consisting of Lee Yun-ji, Kang Chae-young, and Oh Ye-jin, was bested by India with a set score of 5-3 in the final match held at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square. This venue is located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Nagoya, the main host city of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
South Korea had dominated the women's team recurve archery event since 1998, consistently winning gold. However, the Indian team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Kirti, and Kumkum Anil Mohod, ended this winning streak.
In the recurve team competition, each of the three archers from both teams fired two arrows per set, aiming for a maximum of 60 points per set. Teams earned two points for a set win and one point for a tie, with the objective being the first to reach five points. Both teams matched scores in the first two sets, leveling at 2-2. India then won the third set 55-51, gaining a 4-2 advantage.
In the decisive fourth set, following Mohod's final arrow that scored a 10, judges reviewed Kirti's first arrow to confirm whether it was an 8 or a 9. A score of 8 would have led to a shoot-off, but it was confirmed as a 9, securing a tie in the set and awarding India the one set point needed for the gold medal.