MADRID, JUL 11 (PTI): Teenage compound archer Prithika Pradeep announced her arrival on the global stage with a stunning victory over World No. 11 Hazal Burun of Turkey to clinch her maiden Archery World Cup individual medal at Stage 4 in Madrid. The 17-year-old displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back from an early deficit to secure a 145-142 win in the bronze-medal match. This achievement capped a breakthrough tournament where she also contributed to India’s silver in the women’s compound team event, completing a memorable double podium finish.
Prithika’s triumph was particularly significant as it came under the guidance of celebrated American compound coach Dave Cousins, who had only recently joined the Indian setup. His calm presence behind the shooting line helped the teenager settle her nerves after a shaky start. Hazal opened with three successive 10s, while Prithika dropped an eight to trail 28-30. However, she regrouped quickly, winning the second end 29-28 and producing a flawless third end of three 10s to level scores at 87-all.
The turning point came in the fourth end when Hazal cracked under pressure, drifting into the seven-ring, while Prithika maintained composure to claim it 29-26 and open up a three-point cushion. Heading into the final arrows, Hazal finished strongly with two 10s, but Prithika needed only an eight to secure victory. She showed nerves of steel, drilling a perfect X-ring 10 to seal the bronze in emphatic fashion.
Women’s team silver
Earlier in the tournament, Prithika was India’s standout performer in the women’s compound team final against Colombia. Despite her consistency—drilling six 10s including two perfect ends—India faltered at crucial moments and lost 228-232 to World No. 14 Colombia.
India’s team, comprising Prithika, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Chikitha Taniparthi, struggled to match Colombia’s intensity. Jyothi, usually India’s stalwart, endured a dip in form, managing only three 10s from eight arrows. In contrast, Colombia’s Alejandra Usquiano was flawless, reeling off eight successive 10s to anchor her team’s dominant display.
Even compound great Sara Lopez had an inconsistent outing, but Usquiano’s brilliance ensured Colombia remained in control throughout.
The match began with Colombia racing ahead 57-55 in the opening end, thanks largely to Usquiano’s precision. India regrouped in the third end, posting 59 to cut the deficit to two points at 172-174. However, under pressure in the decisive fourth end, India managed only 56, while Colombia closed with 58 to clinch the gold.
India’s overall campaign
India’s compound campaign concluded with two medals—Prithika’s individual bronze and the women’s team silver. The team had earlier won gold at Stage 1 in Puebla, Mexico, but fell short in Madrid against Colombia’s resurgence. Despite setbacks, Prithika’s emergence as a reliable performer underlined India’s growing depth in compound archery.
Meanwhile, India’s hopes extended to the recurve section, with teenager Kirti Sharma aiming for a double. After debuting in Antalya last month, she advanced to the semifinals in Madrid and will also contest the mixed team bronze playoff alongside India No. 1 Dhiraj Bommadevara. Their performances highlight the promising future of India’s young archers on the global stage.
