Three cheers for archer Madhura

THINGS didn't go Madhura Dhamangaonkar's way in the recent Archery World Cups. The unsatisfactory outings pushed her to the verge of quitting the sport. Cut to May 2025, the compound archer has a gold medal around her neck after winning the final of the Women's compound event against Carson Krahe of the United States at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai on Friday.

- CHANDRA PRABHU @Chennai

The final was a nail-biting affair. From starting with a 30 with two Xs in the first end to trailing 81-85 at the third end, Madhura bounced back, scoring two Xs and a nine. Kruhe faltered by one point as the final scoreboard read 139-138 with Madhura securing her moment of glory. That she almost called it quits after forgettable performances in the last two World Cups only makes this victory special. On the same day, she won bronze in the compound mixed event with Abhishek Verma and silver in the compound women's team with Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi.