Prithika Pradeep Secures First World Cup Medal, Helps Team Silver

At the fourth stage of the Archery World Cup in Madrid, 17‑year‑old Indian archer Prithika Pradeep claimed her maiden World Cup medal by winning the women’s compound individual bronze. She outshot Turkey’s Hazal Burun 145‑142, a victory that also cemented her status as a senior international competitor.

Earlier in the competition, Prithika had narrowly missed the final after a 144‑142 defeat to Malaysia’s Fatimah Nurfitah Mat Saleh. The bronze in Madrid follows a silver finish at the Asian Archery Championships held in Dhaka the previous year.

In the team event, Prithika teamed up with veteran shooters Jyoti Suryekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi. The Indian trio overcame Denmark, host nation Spain and the third‑seeded Republic of Korea to reach the gold‑medal match, where they were edged out 232‑228 by top‑seeded Colombia, earning a silver medal.

The Indian men’s compound team fell just short of the podium, losing a tight bronze match to Germany 233‑232 after a semi‑final shoot‑out loss to Mexico. The mixed compound pair also exited after a shoot‑out defeat against Mexico.

Prithika’s individual bronze and her contribution to the team’s silver signal a bright future for Indian archery, showcasing both emerging talent and experienced leadership.