Kumkum Mohod Makes History at Asian Games with Gold Medal in Archery
In a thrilling finale against South Korea’s Oh Yejin, Kumkum Anil Mohod showcased incredible resilience to clinch the gold medal in women’s individual recurve archery at the Asian Games. Compiling a dramatic journey filled with ups and downs, Kumkum managed to push the competition into a shoot-off, where one final arrow stood between her and a historic milestone for Indian archery.
When it was time for Oh Yejin to release her arrow, she landed an eight. Kumkum followed suit with a perfect ten, marking a significant victory in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday, October 3. At just 17 years old, Kumkum from Amravati not only broke a long-standing barrier for Indian recurve archery but also made history as the first Indian woman to win an individual medal in this discipline at the Asian Games. Earlier, she helped bring home a team gold and a mixed team silver medal, making her debut at the prestigious event even more impactful. Kumkum’s win also secured a spot for India at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Kumkum’s coach, Praful Dange, expressed pride in her accomplishment, recalling that it was the individual medal he always aspired for her to achieve. “I always tell her that an individual medal is the real test of our sport,” he said, emphasizing the significance of her achievement.
Despite her remarkable success, Kumkum is defined not just by her gold medal but by her unwavering dedication. According to her coach, she often insists on practicing even on days off, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond the archery range. “Practice comes first,” she believes, often putting aside family celebrations or festivities like Diwali to hone her skills.
Kumkum’s journey began just a few years ago in her hometown of Amravati, where her father encouraged her to try the sport. Starting with basic equipment, including a wooden bow, she showed potential early on. Her coach recognized her strength and technique, guiding her focus toward recurve archery, which demands more physical endurance and skill.
Kumkum’s rapid progress in domestic competitions paved the way for her international debut in 2025. By 2026, she had established herself within the senior national team, participating in the World Cup and clinching victories, including a gold in women’s recurve team event.
Throughout her training, Kumkum has remained dedicated and focused, even when the workload increased. Under Dange’s guidance, she engaged in rigorous physical training to prepare her for the demands of elite archery, demonstrating a strong work ethic that has been evident since her early days.
While her achievements have gained her recognition, Kumkum continues to prioritize her training. Even as she competes at the highest levels, she has been known to avoid social media distractions to maintain focus—a testament to her serious mindset toward the sport.
As Kumkum stands on the cusp of a new chapter in her career, her recent success has sparked excitement not just within the archery community but also in her hometown of Amravati. She has transformed perceptions about what is achievable, and her accomplishments are a source of pride for many.
District Sports Officer Ganesh Jadhav has promised that if Kumkum secures an Olympic medal, the local archery range will be named after her. However, regardless of the future, Kumkum has already solidified her place in history with three medals from the Asian Games and a coveted Olympic quota for India.
As she looks ahead, it’s likely that Kumkum will return to practice soon, even if it happens to be a Sunday. With her determination and focus, there’s no telling how far she can go in her archery journey.
