11 Sep 2025 : India experienced a bittersweet day at the World Archery Championships as veteran star Deepika Kumari faced another disappointing early exit, while rising talent 15-year-old Gatha Kumari impressed by advancing to the pre-quarterfinals.
Deepika, a former World No. 1 and one of India’s most decorated archers, was eliminated in the round of 32 after losing a tense shoot-off. Despite a strong start, inconsistent grouping in the final set allowed her opponent to edge ahead. This defeat adds to a string of early exits for Deepika in major international tournaments over the past year, sparking debate about her form and preparation leading up to next year’s Olympics.
Bright Spot: Gatha Kumari’s Stunning Run
In contrast, the spotlight shone brightly on Gatha Kumari, the teenage sensation making her senior World Championship debut. Displaying maturity beyond her years, Gatha produced two stunning wins, defeating higher-ranked opponents with precision and composure. Her calm demeanor under pressure and ability to adapt to tricky weather conditions earned her widespread praise from coaches and fans.
National coach Milan Das lauded her performance, saying, “Gatha has shown incredible promise. Her mental strength at such a young age is remarkable. She could be a key figure for Indian archery in the coming years.”
India’s Mixed Campaign
India’s mixed team and men’s recurve archers also faced stiff competition, with a few advancing to later rounds, but the women’s recurve campaign took a hit with Deepika’s exit. Analysts say this result could accelerate the transition toward developing young talent like Gatha to build a stronger squad for the future.
Focus on Future Preparations
The Archery Association of India (AAI) is expected to review performances post-Championships and may tweak its training programs to ensure better results ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and Paris Olympics cycle. Deepika, despite her recent struggles, remains a key member of the national team and could benefit from focused mental conditioning and recovery training.
Fans React
Social media was abuzz with reactions — disappointment over Deepika’s loss mixed with excitement about Gatha’s breakthrough performance. Many hailed the teenager as the “future of Indian archery” and expressed hope she could carry India’s medal hopes forward.
Summary:
Deepika Kumari suffers another early exit at the World Archery Championships, but 15-year-old Gatha Kumari’s remarkable run into the pre-quarterfinals gives Indian archery fans renewed hope for the future.