New Delhi, 03 October (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among several other leaders, on Saturday extended their congratulations to Kumkum Anil Mohod, who won the gold medal in the women’s individual recurve event at the Asian Games, and Pranavi Urs, who clinched gold in the individual golf event.

President Murmu said, “Heartiest congratulations to Kumkum Anil Mohod on creating history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in archery at the Asian Games. Your performance at these Games was outstanding, and you also won two more medals in the team competitions. Following your spectacular gold-medal performance, the national anthem of India echoed at the Asian Games venue. You have made a significant contribution to the remarkable success of India’s women archers in this edition of the Asian Games. May your performance and achievements inspire countless young people, especially our girls and women, to excel in their respective fields. I hope you continue to achieve success with the same exceptional precision in the years ahead.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that with this victory, Kumkum had become the first Indian archer to win an individual gold medal in archery at the Asian Games. Her remarkable journey also includes a gold medal in the women’s recurve team event, making this her second gold medal at these Games. Her gold medal has also secured an Olympic quota place for India for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “A historic victory for Indian archery! Kumkum has created history by becoming India’s first individual recurve gold medallist at the Asian Games. Her composure and precision under pressure are truly commendable. Her historic gold medal marks a new milestone for Indian archery and will inspire many young athletes to excel at the global level.”

He added that it was also a memorable day for Indian golf. Pranavi Urs’ historic individual gold medal and the team’s silver medal marked a significant moment for Indian golf and reflected the sport’s growing stature. He extended his best wishes for even greater success in the future.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said, “A golden arrow hit the target with pinpoint accuracy! Kumkum’s spectacular victory has made her the first Indian woman to win this title. It is a memorable moment for Kumkum and Indian archery.”

It is noteworthy that 17-year-old Indian archer Kumkum Anil Mohod created history at the Asian Games. On Saturday, Kumkum defeated South Korea’s Oh Ye-jin 6-5 in a shoot-off in the gold-medal match of the women’s individual recurve event to clinch the gold medal. With this victory, she became the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve gold medal at the Asian Games. Her victory also earned India an individual quota place for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar