Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod Lead Recurve Qualification at National Archery Championships
Dhiraj tops the men’s standings with 680 points, while Kumkum records a career-best 677 to lead the women’s recurve qualification at the National Archery Championships in Shillong.
Indian archers Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod produced impressive performances to finish at the top of the men’s and women’s recurve qualification rounds on the opening day of the NTPC Senior National Archery Championships 2026 in Shillong on Thursday, November 12.
Despite challenging weather conditions, both archers displayed remarkable consistency to secure the leading positions in their respective categories. Dhiraj registered 680 points in the men’s qualification, while Kumkum delivered a career-best performance of 677 points in the women’s event.
The competition witnessed changing weather conditions, with sunshine giving way to strong winds and drizzle. The difficult conditions tested the archers’ concentration and consistency throughout the qualification rounds.
Dhiraj Bommadevara Leads Men’s Recurve Qualification
World Cup Finals gold medallist Dhiraj Bommadevara secured the top position in the men’s recurve qualification with 680 points, finishing just one point ahead of Maharashtra’s Parth Salunkhe, who scored 679.
Dhiraj’s total included 24 Xs and 14 10s. He scored 343 points in the first half before adding another 337 in the second half to maintain his position at the top of the standings.
Parth Salunkhe delivered a strong performance to finish second with 679 points, while Odisha’s Arjun Khara secured third place with 674 points. Meghalaya’s Devraj Mohapotra also scored 674 but finished fourth.
SSCB’s Sukhchain Singh followed with 672 points, while Haryana’s Paras Hooda also registered 672.
Kumkum Mohod Sets Career Best in Women’s Recurve
In the women’s recurve qualification, Kumkum Mohod dominated the standings with an impressive 677 points, recording a new personal best. Her previous career-best score was 671.
The 17-year-old Maharashtra archer finished 15 points ahead of Jharkhand’s Ankita Bhakat, who secured second place with 662 points. SSCB’s Sangeeta completed the top three with 660 points.
Kumkum’s score included 10 Xs and 26 10s, highlighting her consistency throughout the competition. Olympian Deepika Kumari finished 10th with 646 points.
Maharashtra’s Sharvari Shende and Gatha Khadake also recorded 657 points each to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.
National Archery Championships Continue in Shillong
The NTPC Senior National Archery Championships bring together the country’s leading archers across recurve, compound and Indian round categories. The competition is being held in Shillong from November 10 to 17, with athletes representing associations from across the country.
The opening day’s qualification rounds provided a strong start for Dhiraj and Kumkum, while the remaining events will determine the next stage of the competition.
The men’s and women’s recurve team pre-quarterfinal and quarterfinal rounds are scheduled for November 16 as the national championships continue in Meghalaya.
