With an eye on the upcoming World Archery Championships in September, India is set to compete at the Madrid World Cup, the fourth and final stage of the global event, starting Monday. The tournament marks a crucial preparation phase as India tests a new-look squad, blending veterans with fresh talent.
Notably, four debutants, including three teenagers, have been included across the recurve and compound categories. They will join seasoned names like Tarundeep Rai and Deepika Kumari, who topped the trials and continues to anchor the women’s recurve team.
India’s squad at Madrid will be the same one heading to the World Championships in Gwangju, Korea (Sept 5–12). Missing from this year’s lineup are reigning champions Ojas Deotale and Aditi Swami, who failed to make the cut. Also absent are Abhishek Verma and recent World Cup winner Madhura Dhamangaonkar, both of whom missed selection, as did three-time Olympian Atanu Das, who lost by just 0.5 points to 41-year-old Tarundeep Rai.
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Among the exciting newcomers are Gatha Khadake (15) and Sharvari Shende (16), who will represent India alongside Deepika and Ankita Bhakat in the women’s recurve category. Gatha, who posted the highest qualification score across both men’s and women’s sections (686), is already being hailed as a rising star.
“She thrives under pressure,” said her coach Ranjeet Chamle, referencing her past wins against Olympians in national events.
Former CWG gold medallist Rahul Banerjee will also debut as a coach, leading the women's team. “We’re treating this as the final dress rehearsal for the World Championships,” he said.
In men’s recurve, Dhiraj Bommadevara topped the trials, with Neeraj Chauhan and veteran Rai rounding out the team. Rahul Singh (20) also earned his senior debut after a strong youth-level showing.
The compound division also features several young talents. In men’s, Aman Saini returns after two years, joined by Prathamesh Fuge, Rishabh Yadav, and Priyansh. In women’s, 16-year-old Prithika teams up with Asian Games gold medallist Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Parneet Kaur, continuing India’s youth-first approach.
With 336 archers from around the world competing and spots at the Nanjing World Cup Final in October on the line, the Madrid stage promises to be a high-stakes warm-up for India’s next major target: World Championship glory.
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