National Championships

Abhishek equalled his National record of 714.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu

Abhishek Verma and Parneet Kaur shot well in perfect conditions to top the compound men’s and women’s individual ranking rounds on the opening day of the National archery championships at the Gopal Maidan here on Monday.

Abhishek equalled his National record of 714, while Parneet, a member of the World champion women’s team in 2023, shot 707. The women’s record of 709 is held by V. Jyothi Surekha.

Parneet pipped Madhura Dhamangaonkar on the basis of scoring more Xs (29-24) after the two archers were tied on scores (707) and Xs+10s (59). At the half-way stage after shooting 36 arrows, Parneet was third with 353 points, while Madhura led the pack with 355.

“I got some time this year to work on my game and gained strength. My shooting was good today, especially in the second segment I got into a nice rhythm,” said Parneet.

Madhura aggregated her best score. 

Individual world champion Aditi Swami claimed the eight spot with 695 points.

Abhishek, who switched to a new bow two months ago and adapted to it nicely, gave his best.

“The weather was good and I shot without any pressure. The new bow suits me,” he said.

Men’s individual world champion Ojas Deotale, going through rehab for his back injury, totalled 698 for the 26th place despite running fever.

The results (ranking round): Compound: Individual: Men: 1. Abhishek Verma (Del) 714, 2. Kunderu Venkatadri (SSCB) 710, 3. Prathamesh Fuge (Mah) 707.

Women: 1. Parneet Kaur (Pun) 707, 2. Madhura Dhamangaonkar (Mah) 707, 3. Jasveer Kaur (RSPB) 703.

Team: Men: 1. Services 2121, 2. Delhi 2115, 3. Maharashtra 2111; Women: 1. Punjab (2098), 2. Maharashtra (2096), 3. RSPB (2081).