Saltillo, September 14 (Udaipur Kiran) : In a remarkable achievement, Dheeraj Bomma Devara has etched his name in history as the first Indian man to win a gold medal at the Archery World Cup finals. This milestone was reached on September 14, 2026, in Saltillo, Mexico, where Dheeraj demonstrated exceptional composure under pressure.
Facing Japan’s Junya Nakanishi in a thrilling final, Dheeraj, currently ranked tenth in the world and a 25-year-old soldier, secured victory with a score of 6-5. The match was tightly contested, ending in a 5-5 tie after five sets. In the shoot-off, Dheeraj scored a perfect 10, while Nakanishi managed a 9, sealing the gold medal for India.
This victory is particularly significant for Dheeraj, as he had previously returned empty-handed from the last two World Cup finals in 2023 and 2024. His journey to the finals this time showcased his impressive skills, culminating in a showdown against the 20th-ranked Nakanishi.
The final was marked by fierce competition, with scores fluctuating closely: 28-28, 28-29, 29-28, 28-30, and 28-27. Dheeraj’s triumph not only signifies a personal milestone but also alters India’s record in this prestigious season-ending event. The last time an Indian man won a gold medal in this tournament was in 2010 when Jayant Talukdar secured bronze in Edinburgh.
Dheeraj’s win also marks India’s first gold in the World Cup finals since Dola Banerjee claimed the women’s title in 2007 in Dubai. This achievement adds to India’s archery legacy, where Deepika Kumari remains the most successful archer, having won six World Cup final medals. However, for Dheeraj, the victory in Saltillo represents the pinnacle of his career, finally earning him a coveted title after two previous attempts without a medal.
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