Archer Prathamesh Jawkar Bags First World Cup Gold Medal

NEW DELHI: In the men's individual compound division of the World Cup on Saturday, teenage Indian archer Prathamesh Jawkar pulled off the biggest upset of his burgeoning career by defeating world number one Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands.

In the men's compound individual final, Prathamesh defeated the Dutchman 149-148 after previously eliminating the Korean team of Kim Jongho and Choi Yonghee.

In order to defeat the two-time previous world champion, the 19-year-old dropped just one point from 15 arrows, demonstrating his exceptional shooting at the top level.

The 29-year-old Dutchman finally stumbled in the fifth end, capping a 9, paving the way for the Indian teenager to bag his first World Cup gold. However, both of them hit the target with ease in the second, third, and fourth ends.

Deotale and Jyothi of India's compound mixed team, who earlier stunned heavyweights Korea to win back-to-back World Cup gold medals, are continuing their dream run.

The two continued to work well together and shot coolly to defeat the top-seeded Korean team 156-155.

The experienced Korean combo of Kim Jongho and Oh Yoohyun and the Indian team each managed identical 39s out of 40 in each of the opening three ends.

The Koreans faltered in the decisive conclusion as Deotale and Jyothi again produced a 39 to win the World Cup gold medals back-to-back.

Jyothi, who was eliminated early from the individual competition, had a flawless start to the final but her 20-year-old partner struggled to get a perfect 10.

Ojas, however, complemented Jyothi excellently and performed at his peak when she missed the 10-point mark a few times since the two had the best possible connection.

Jyothi shot a 10 with her final arrow as the score was locked at 117–117 entering the final end, but a measurement on Oh Yoohyun's final arrow was required to determine the Indians' champion.

"Throughout the World Cup, our coordination and shooting process was very good. And in the final too, we focused on our shooting process," Jyothi said.

Jyothi has now had a successful start to the 2023 World Cup campaign, winning three gold medals, one of which was in the individual division in the Antalya leg.

The World Archery Championships, which will be held in Berlin in a few months, has the Vijayawada archer daydreaming today.

"World Championships are the most important event for us. And winning the gold medals is a big boost to our confidence. We look to continue the momentum," she added.

Also Read: Assam swimmer Astha Choudhury wins gold in 2nd Speedo Invitational Long Course Meet 2023

Also Watch: