Kolkata: The Indian recurve women’s team had to be satisfied with the silver after a 207-210 loss to Italy in the final of the World Archery Championship at Turin Sunday.
The team, comprising Deepika Kumari, Chekrovolu Swuro and Laishram Bombayla Devi, had a one point lead at the half way stage from where the former world champions took charge and won.
Their maiden entry into the final did weigh heavily on the minds of the Indians.
The presence of Deepika, the reigning world cadet individual champion, failed to inspire the Indians as the three shot a very poor third end for a score of 50 points out of 60. The Italians turned the table on their rivals with a fine round of 55 that not only neutralised India’s one point lead but gave the Europeans a whooping four-point lead.
The Indians had the best round of 54 in the final end, yet fell short by three points as the Italians celebrated the world title.
The Indians’ shooting order was Deepika, Chekrovolu and Bombayla.
According to reports received from Turin, the two teams appeared quite nervous, and shots by the six competitors were not as fluent as usual. (IANS)