Asia Cup: Indian archers hit gold

Gagan K Teja 

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 25

The Indian men’s compound archery team overcame Iran in a nail-biting encounter to win gold in the 2017 Asia Cup Tournament Stage 1, which concluded at Bangkok today. 

The Indian trio of Aman Saini, Shivansh Awasthi and Robert Singh shot 231 against Iran’s 230 to win the title.

Both teams started off well, scoring 58 points each in the first round. The Indian trio, though, got the better of the Iranians in the second round and took a two-point lead with a total of 116 against Iran’s 114. 

The Iranian trio reduced the deficit to just one point with a total of 171 against India’s 172 in the third. 

In the fourth and decisive round, which was also the highest in terms of scoring, it was a treat for the viewers as Iran shot 59 out of 60 to pose a tough challenge to the Indians. However, the Indian trio managed to hold on to their nerves and finished with an equal score to maintain a one-point lead over their opponents and clinch the title. 

Mayasia defeated Chinese Taipei to bag bronze. 

Silver for women 

The Indian women’s recurve team of Promila Daimary, Sakshi Rajendra Shitole and Ankita Bhakat had to settle for a silver after they lost to Chinese Taipei in the final. 

After beating Malaysia in the semifinals, the Indian girls could not carry forward the momentum and bowed to Chinese Taipei 6-0.