Khelo India athletes Kushal Dalal and Parneet Kaur earned India’s first gold medal at the World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, by winning the Mixed Compound Team archery final against South Korea with a 157-154 scoreline.
This victory was complemented by Dalal’s silver in the men’s compound team event and Parneet’s bronze in the women’s compound team event. Officials lauded their dedication, noting the achievement as a major milestone for Indian university sports.
Historic Gold in the Mixed Compound Team Event
The mixed team final was a spectacular showdown between India and perennial archery giant South Korea. Both teams were tied 39-39 after the first end, with South Korea holding a narrow 78-77 lead at halftime. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Kushal Dalal and Parneet Kaur rallied in the third end, scoring four perfect 10s including an ‘X’ — the closest arrow to the centre — to take a 117-114 lead.
They maintained their precision with another flawless 40 in the final end, securing a hard-fought 157-154 victory. This win marks India’s first gold medal at the Games and a proud moment in India’s rising archery prominence.
Individual Success and Team Efforts
In addition to their mixed team gold, both archers earned individual and team accolades. Kushal Dalal contributed to India’s silver medal in the men’s compound team event, where the Indian trio narrowly lost to Turkey by one point in a closely contested final.
Parneet Kaur, building on her reputation as an Asian Games gold medallist, helped the Indian women’s compound team—alongside Avneet Kaur and Madhura Dhamangaonkar—secure a bronze medal by overpowering Great Britain 232-224. Meanwhile, both Kushal and Parneet progressed to the semi-finals in their respective individual compound categories, aiming to add more medals to their haul later in the competition.
Kushal Dalal and Parneet Kaur’s journey reflects the successful integration of personalised coaching, improved infrastructure, and rigorous grassroots training. Parneet, inspired early by her father’s encouragement, is emblematic of the new generation of Indian sportspersons who benefit from access to better facilities and competitive exposure.
These foundation-building efforts by the Sports Authority of India and other bodies have begun to bear fruit, positioning India as an emerging force on the international university sports stage. Participation in the World University Games, which India has been a part of since 1959, has steadily evolved from mere involvement to winning honours capable of stirring national pride.
Building on a Tradition of Excellence
India’s participation in the World University Games dates back to 1959, but recent years have seen a surge in the nation’s performance, especially in archery. Programs such as Khelo India University Games have been pivotal in promoting grassroots development, coaching, and infrastructure improvement.
Parneet Kaur’s journey began with encouragement from her father, symbolising the personal stories behind India’s sports successes. The collective performance of Indian archers in Rhine-Ruhr—including three medals on this day alone—underscores the long-term impact of nurturing young talent and delivering competitive exposure.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This milestone victory by Kushal Dalal and Parneet Kaur epitomizes the transformative power of sustained grassroots sports development.
Their success against traditionally dominant countries like South Korea reinforces how proper investment, training, and determination can unlock world-class potential. Beyond sports, such achievements can serve as powerful unifiers in a diverse nation, inspiring youth participation and fostering social cohesion.
#KheloIndia athletes Kushal Dalal & Parneet Kaur clinched India’s first Gold🥇 at the #WorldUniversityGames 2025 . The mixed duo stunned #Archery🏹 powerhouse South Korea🇰🇷 in the Compound Mixed Team final.
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) July 26, 2025
Take a bow, champs🙌🏻#IndianArchery #Sports #GameOn pic.twitter.com/pcXvJ55m58
