Bhajan Kaur wins gold, bags Olympic quota in women's individual recurve

Bhajan Kaur has secured India's first women's individual recurve archery quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics, clinching gold at the final world qualifying tournament in Antalya on Sunday. The 18-year-old prodigy became only the second Indian archer to secure a spot at the Paris Games, following Dhiraj Bommadevara in the men's event.

Individual quotas are awarded to the top eight nations, with each country receiving one quota per gender. India has now secured individual quotas in both the men's and women's categories. Dhiraj Bommadevara had previously secured the men's individual quota during the Asian qualifying leg, and Bhajan Kaur has now secured the women's individual quota at the final world qualifying tournament.

Kaur's triumph came after a decisive 6-2 victory over Iran’s Mobina Fallah in the gold medal match. Demonstrating poise and precision, Kaur started strong with two nines, clinching the first set 28-26. The second set was tightly contested, with both archers shooting 29 apiece. Kaur then took control, winning the third set 29-26. Despite the fourth set ending 29-29, Kaur's earlier dominance ensured her 6-2 win. Earlier in the tournament, Kaur defeated Moldova’s Alexandra Mirca 6-2 in the semifinals, showcasing her consistent form.