Seventeen-year-old archer Kumkum Mohod from Amravati has made India immensely proud by helping clinch the women's team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai. This incredible victory marks a significant milestone, being India's first women's team gold at a World Cup stage since 2021. What makes her achievement even more inspiring is that she competed and won with a second-hand bow, highlighting a story of profound family sacrifice and personal dedication.

What Happened?

For many years, Kumkum Mohod's journey in the demanding world of archery has been a testament to her father, Anil Manohar Mohod's unwavering support. In their home city of Amravati, Anil has tirelessly made cardboard sweet boxes, ensuring his family's livelihood while simultaneously funding his daughter's ambitious dream. This dedication culminated in an emotional celebration last Sunday as Kumkum’s team triumphed in Shanghai, bringing home the gold. Instead of his usual business calls, Anil found himself placing an order for sweets from a shop he once supplied, joyfully declaring, “It is the sweet boxes that run our home, and so does Kumkum’s archery.”

Kumkum’s path to the international stage has been built on extraordinary persistence and resourcefulness. She has competed with the same second-hand bow for the past five years, a powerful symbol of her family's determination to overcome challenges. Her very first wooden bow was purchased for a modest Rs 3,000, thanks to a contribution from her grandmother. This initial investment quickly proved its worth, as Kumkum secured a silver medal at the sub-junior nationals within months. Her coach, Prafull Dange, immediately recognized Kumkum's exceptional talent and relentless drive, noting her rapid learning curve in mastering core archery techniques such as achieving a 'T-shape' body and effectively utilizing back muscles to draw the bow.

Even during the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kumkum and Coach Dange focused on intensive short-distance shooting drills, a training method often overlooked by other archers. This specialized training helped her to instinctively use her back muscles for bow drawing. This rigorous preparation paid dividends in Shanghai, where the Indian team displayed incredible skill. They first defeated the formidable South Korea in the semi-finals. Then, in a thrilling final against China, Kumkum demonstrated nerves of steel, delivering a crucial ten in the deciding shoot-off that secured the gold medal for India. Reflecting on her success, Kumkum confidently stated, “This medal is a new start for me,” adding that “it all depends on one’s confidence and ability,” rather than the newness of the equipment.

Key Highlights

Seventeen-year-old archer Kumkum Mohod won a women's team gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai.
This marks India's first women's team gold at a World Cup stage since 2021.
Kumkum achieved this significant victory using a second-hand bow she has competed with for five years.
Her father, Anil Manohar Mohod, supported her archery dream by making cardboard sweet boxes in Amravati.
Kumkum's first wooden bow was bought with Rs 3,000 from her grandmother, leading to an early silver medal at sub-junior nationals.
She delivered a crucial ten in the deciding shoot-off during the final match against China.
Coach Prafull Dange praised her determination, quick learning, and specialized training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Does This Matter?

Kumkum Mohod's inspiring journey resonates deeply with countless individuals, particularly those from humble backgrounds. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that financial limitations or the absence of state-of-the-art equipment do not have to be barriers to achieving extraordinary success. It highlights how relentless dedication, unwavering parental support, and an unshakeable belief in oneself can triumph over material disadvantages. For many aspiring athletes across India, Kumkum's victory offers a beacon of hope and a valuable lesson that true potential lies within one's spirit and commitment, not solely in resources.

Beyond the personal triumph, this gold medal at an international event brings immense national pride and reinforces India's growing presence in global archery. Such remarkable achievements serve as a powerful catalyst, inspiring a new generation of young people to pursue sports and encouraging greater investment in grassroots training programs. Kumkum's success underscores the critical importance of nurturing homegrown talent, proving that with the right environment and opportunities, Indian athletes can not only compete but also excel on the world stage, bringing honor and glory to their nation.