Teenager Prithika Pradeep completed a memorable double at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid on Saturday, winning her maiden individual bronze after helping India clinch silver in the women’s compound team event.
The 17-year-old produced a strong comeback to beat World No. 11 Hazal Burun of Turkey 145-142 in the women’s compound bronze medal match. Earlier, the Indian trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika and Chikitha Taniparthi had lost 228-232 to Colombia in the team final.
Prithika had entered the bronze medal contest after a 142-144 defeat to Malaysia’s Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh in the semifinal. Playing in her maiden World Cup medal match, she appeared tense at the start as Hazal opened with three perfect 10s to take control.
But Prithika slowly fought her way back. She took the second end 29-28 and then levelled the contest at 87-all in the third end with a flawless set of three arrows. Needing an eight with her final arrow, she shot a perfect 10 to seal the bronze.
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In the morning session, India struggled for consistency in the women’s compound team final against Colombia. World No. 3 India, which had won gold at the season-opening World Cup Stage 1 in Puebla, Mexico, could not put sustained pressure on World No. 14 Colombia.
Prithika was India’s standout performer in the final, shooting six 10s, including two perfect ends. However, Jyothi, one of India’s most experienced archers, managed only three 10s from her eight arrows.
For Colombia, Alejandra Usquiano was flawless, shooting eight successive 10s to keep her side in control. Former world champion Sara Lopez had an inconsistent outing, but Usquiano’s accuracy ensured Colombia took the title.
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Published on Jul 11, 2026