
Archery World Cup Stage 1: Dhiraj Bommadevara Shines with Bronze, India Claims 4 Medal
India had a fantastic outing at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Auburndale, USA, finishing with 4 medals. The star of the show was 23-year-old Dhiraj Bommadevara, who won a bronze medal in the men’s individual recurve event. His amazing comeback against Spain’s Andres Temino helped India secure a strong medal tally, which included a gold, a silver, and two bronzes.
Dhiraj’s Bronze Medal Battle
Dhiraj, an Army archer, showed incredible focus in the bronze medal match against Andres Temino. The match was a close one, starting with both archers tying the first set at 28-28. However, Temino took the lead in the second set, scoring 29-28 with two perfect 10s, while Dhiraj managed just one. This put Dhiraj behind at 3-1, and the pressure was on.
In the third set, both archers scored 29-29, keeping the gap tight. But Dhiraj didn’t give up. In the fourth set, he stepped up, hitting two 10s, one of them an X, right in the center of the target, to win 29-28 and tie the match at 4-4. Then, in the final set, Dhiraj stayed calm and delivered three perfect 10s, sealing a 6-4 victory and the bronze medal. His cool-headed performance turned the match around and won hearts.
“A stellar start for India at Archery World Cup Stage 1 — 1 Gold, 1 Silver & 2 Bronze .
• Gold — Compound Mixed Team
• Silver — Recurve Men’s Team
• Bronze — Compound Men’s Team
• Bronze — Individual (Recurve) — @BommadevaraDKudos to our champions@ntpclimited @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/DGPwUjaZA8
— ARCHERY ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (@india_archery) April 14, 2025
Earlier that day, Dhiraj was also part of India’s men’s recurve team, alongside experienced archers Tarundeep Rai and Atanu Das. They reached the gold medal match against China, raising hopes for a top prize. The team started well, tying the first set at 54-54. However, things got tough in the second set when India scored two 8s, allowing China to pull ahead with a 58-55 score. In the third set, India fought hard but slipped again with another 8, losing 54-55. China won the match 5-1, leaving India with a well-earned silver medal.
Despite the loss, Dhiraj’s effort in both the team and individual events showed his talent and determination. Balancing two tough competitions in one day is no easy task, but he handled it with confidence.
India’s 4-Medal Haul
India’s total of four medals at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 was a proud moment. Besides Dhiraj’s bronze in the men’s individual recurve and the silver in the men’s recurve team, the country also won gold in the compound mixed team and bronze in the compound men’s team. These results placed India fourth in the overall medal table, with Mexico leading the standings.
Unfortunately, not everyone came close to the podium. Abhishek Verma, competing in the compound men’s individual event, just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth. Still, India’s overall performance showed the team’s strength across different events.
As the team looks ahead to the next stage in Shanghai, China, from May 6 to 11, they’ll aim to build on this success. Dhiraj’s ability to stay calm under pressure and the team’s overall performance give fans plenty to cheer about. With more stages to come, India has a good chance to add to their medal collection and make the country proud.