Indian bronze finals berths good start in Asian Games year says Verma

India’s compound men’s and women’s teams will both shoot for bronze medals at the first stage of the 2018 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Shanghai, China, following the conclusion of eliminations at Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium.

The men, who seeded fourth, beat Colombia and Turkey before falling to Korea with a highly-respectable score of 233/240 points in the semifinals.

The women, eighth ranked, knocked out Vietnam and Kazakhstan before dropping out to Russia by a single point.

“It’s a good start. Last year we were the gold medallist team. This time, the bronze medal, we will play for. It’s good,” said Abhishek Verma.

Korea‘s men shot three points more than Verma and India in their semifinal clash.

“Archery is tough, day by day, and it’s a great experience if you shoot a 60 and your opponent shoots the same. I’m not sad, I’m not happy, I’m quite easy. It’s good,” he explained.

With bronzes left to play for in Shanghai, the 28-year-old’s eyes are turned to the biggest event of the continental season.

“We are an Asian country and basically preparing for the Asian Games. This first tournament in Shanghai means a lot to us. Our last opponent team will also play at the Asian Games so it’s good practice,” added Abhishek.

Verma was the individual silver medallist at the last Asian Games in 2014, the first to include a compound competition.

The first stage of the Hyundai Archery World Cup takes place in Shanghai, China on 23-29 April.

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