Targeting Olympic Gold: 17-Year-Old Archery Star Kumkum Mohod Sets Sights on LA 2028 After Historic Asian Games Win

At just 17 years old and relatively new to high-profile media interviews, Kumkum Mohod is slowly coming to terms with the surging public attention coming her way. Reflecting on her recent success at the Asian Games, where she clinched two gold medals and a silver, she responds with short answers often punctuated by a bright smile. "Earlier we used to take photos with others, now people are taking photos with me, and it feels really good," Kumkum shares.

Overcoming Korean Dominance with Calm Precision

Until a couple of weeks ago, Kumkum was the youngest among the three female archers representing India in the recurve category. On October 3, she emerged as a sensational player who calmly and decisively dismantled the formidable Korean archery team. A day prior, she teamed up with Ankita Bhagat and Kirti Sharma to secure a historic women's team gold—India's first-ever gold medal in the recurve category at the Asian Games.

Remaining unruffled by pressure, Kumkum consistently delivered the final arrows in her matches. Speaking during an interaction organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), she said, "People keep talking about the Koreans. I told myself if she has to shoot a 10, I must do the same and give my absolute best." Her two golds and a silver in the mixed team event stand testament to this unwavering focus.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Family Support

Like many Indian athletes, Kumkum’s journey has been shaped by financial hurdles and immense perseverance. Archery is an expensive sport, but with constant backing from her grandmother and father, she pushed through every obstacle. "At home, they call me a champion. They have complete trust that I will make it," she says with a smile about the compromises of her childhood.

The Road to LA 2028 Olympics

With her stellar victory, Kumkum has secured an individual recurve quota for India at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though her spot is yet to be finalized through national trials. "I need to work hard and prepare thoroughly. Going to the gym daily, building physical strength, sharpening my mental resolve, and working on technical aspects are my current priorities," she notes.

Upon returning from Japan, her coach Prafull Dongre gave her a clear directive: "Forget what you have achieved. That was not your ultimate dream. Think about the Los Angeles Olympics; that is your true destination." Backed by her unwavering family support and immense self-belief, Kumkum is ready to script the next chapter of Indian sports history.