India had a remarkable showing at the World Archery Youth Championships 2025, held in Winnipeg, Canada, winning a total of eight medals: four gold, two silver, and two bronze. Standout performances included Chikitha Taniparthi’s historic first-ever Indian gold in the Under-21 women’s compound category and Sharvari Shende’s dramatic victory in the Under-18 women’s recurve.
The Indian men’s Under-18 and Under-21 compound teams also clinched gold medals. As 570 archers from 63 countries competed, Indian officials lauded the young athletes’ grit and global success, marking a significant milestone for Indian archery on the world stage.
Golden Performances and Historic Wins
India’s archers showcased an impressive breadth of talent across categories by harvesting four gold medals. Chikitha Taniparthi, seeded eighth and competing in the Under-21 women’s compound, made history by securing India’s first-ever gold in this event. In the finals, she outperformed top-seed Park Yerin of Korea with a score of 142-136, displaying mastery and composure under pressure.
Sixteen-year-old Sharvari Shende, seeded 20th, overcame the odds to claim the Under-18 women’s recurve gold after a tense shoot-off against Korea’s Kim Yewon, firing a perfect 10 to seal a 10-9 victory. “I feel very proud; I feel I have made my India proud,” Shende expressed joyfully. Further, the Indian men’s Under-18 and Under-21 compound teams secured gold medals in thrilling shoot-offs against the United States and Germany respectively.
Silver medals were earned by Prithika Pradeep in the Under-18 women’s compound individual and team categories, underscoring the country’s depth of emerging talent.
Context and Progress in Indian Archery
This 19th edition of the biennial World Archery Youth Championships featured 570 participants from 63 nations, making it one of the most competitive in recent history. India’s haul of eight medals marks steady progress following a dominant previous edition in Ireland in 2023, where India had won six gold medals.
The consistent success across both individual and team events reflects a growing investment in youth archery and a strengthening talent pipeline. Young Indian archers have demonstrated resilience and sustained excellence, suggesting a bright future for Indian archery at senior international levels.
The championships also highlighted the competitive nature of youth archery globally, with fierce contests from traditional powerhouses like Korea, the USA, and Germany. The next edition is scheduled for 2027 in Antalya, Turkey, promising another chance for young Indian archers to shine.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The achievements of these young Indian archers are emblematic of qualities such as perseverance, poise, and principled competition-values that transcend sportsmanship and radiate positive social messages. In celebrating this international success, it is important to honour the spirit of peaceful rivalry and mutual respect embedded in archery, which teaches focus, calm, and empathy.
The Logical Indian believes that nurturing such hope and harmony through sports can inspire broader social change, fostering unity and kindness in communities.
