For years, South Korea’s dominance in recurve archery has seemed almost unassailable, but Kumkum Mohod believes the aura of invincibility has been shattered and her historic gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games could embolden India to challenge the Korean stronghold more often.

The 17-year-old from Amravati, Maharashtra, scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win an individual recurve gold at the Asian Games. She also struck gold in the women’s team event and added a mixed team silver with Dhiraj Bommadevara, while her individual triumph secured a crucial Olympic quota place for India at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.