FILE PHOTO: India’s Sahil Jadhav grabbed the nation’s first medal in Stage 2 of the Archery World Cup in Shanghai, China, on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Sahil Jadhav/Instagram

India’s Sahil Jadhav clinched a bronze medal at Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, China, on Saturday as he took down Denmark’s Martin Damsbo in the third-place match.

World University Games gold medallist Jadhav defeated the 40-year-old Danish archer 147-144 in the bronze medal match to grab India’s first medal in the competition.

The 25-year-old Indian trailed 29-30 after first end. But Damsbo hit three 9s in the next round while Jadhav had a perfect score, giving him a two-point lead. Jadhav doubled his advantage before the final end.

While Damsbo hit three 10s in the final end, Jadhav’s score of 29 was more than enough to secure a place on the podium. Overall, the Indian had 12 shots of 10, including six Xs (inner 10s).

Earlier, Jadhav lost to France’s Nicolas Girard, the reigning world champion, in a heartbreaking semifinal.

READ | ‘It’s not rocket science, is it?’: The story behind manufacturing India’s first compound bow

Girard beat the Indian 147-146. The two archers were tied at 137-137. While the Frenchman shot a 10, Jadhav’s last arrow only resulted in a nine.

Jadhav began the last-four clash confidently, hitting two 10s. However, he shot an 8 with his last arrow in the first end, something which eventually cost him. Girard maintained a one-point lead till the third end.

However, in the fourth end, a perfect 30 from Jadhav tied the score after Girard hit a 9 with his second arrow.

The Frenchman went first in the final end, beginning with a 10 before Jadhav replied with the same. Both couldn’t be separated even after the next set of arrows. Finally, in response to Girard’s third 10, Jadhav missed out and hit a 9.

It was yet another near-miss for Jadhav after he, along with Ojas Deotale and Kushal Dalal, had lost to China in a Shoot Off in the bronze medal match of the men’s compound team event.

But the 25-year-old archer from Maharashtra wouldn’t be denied for the third time.

Published on May 09, 2026