Kumkum Mohod's Asian Games gold historic, family eyes Los Angeles 2028

Seventeen-year-old Kumkum Mohod won the women's individual recurve gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on Saturday and her triumph sparked celebrations in her neighbourhood in Amravati.

Mohod is from Gosavi Colony in Amravati and began shooting at the age of eight; she has trained at a local archery range under coach Prafull Dange since then.

She became the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve archery gold at the Asian Games after she struck a perfect 10 in the decisive shoot-off at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan.

Her campaign in Nagoya produced three medals: gold in the women's individual and team recurve events and a silver in the mixed team event.

Residents of Gosavi Colony turned out to celebrate the medal and her father, Anil Mohod, said the family had spoken to Kumkum and found her delighted. "We spoke to Kumkum. She had competed in several national and international competitions, but this was her first individual medal, and that too a gold at the Asian Games. She is thrilled that she got what she was aiming for," he told PTI. Anil added, "She has made not only Amravati but the whole of India proud. We can't forget this moment," he said.

Rupali, Kumkum's mother, said she did not watch the final and prayed instead: "I never watch her last match. Instead, I sit before God and pray. Even today, I did not watch the match," she said. Rupali also noted there would be little time to celebrate once Kumkum returns home and said, "She is in Class 12 and will be appearing for her board exams this academic year," Rupali said.

Her father said she is already looking towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where she wants to win another gold medal and dedicate it to her coach.