President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday congratulated archer Kumkum Mohod and golfer Pranavi Sharath Urs for their historic gold-medal performances at the Asian Games 2026, saying their achievements marked significant milestones for Indian women in sport.
Congratulating Kumkum on becoming the first Indian woman to win the Asian Games individual recurve gold, Murmu described the 17-year-old’s campaign as “exceptional” and also lauded her contribution to India’s success in the team events.
“Warmest congratulations to Kumkum Anil Mohod on scripting history as the first Indian to win the Gold Medal in the Recurve Women’s Individual event at the Asian Games 2026,” the President wrote on X.
Referring to the playing of the national anthem at the archery venue after Kumkum’s victory, Murmu said the teenager had made a “major contribution” to the success of India’s women’s archery team.
“The Asian Games venue resonated with our National Anthem after your gold medal winning performance,” she wrote.
Kumkum secured the individual title after a dramatic final against South Korea’s Yejin Oh. The contest was tied 5-5 after five sets before the Indian prevailed in the one-arrow shoot-off, hitting a 10 after Oh scored an 8.
The victory also secured an individual quota place for India for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“Your performance and achievements will inspire countless youth, especially our girls to excel in their pursuits,” Murmu said. “May you continue to hit the mark with your characteristic precision.”
The President also congratulated Pranavi Urs after she became the first Indian woman to win an individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games.
“Heartiest congratulations to Pranavi Sharath Urs on winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s Individual Stroke Play at the Asian Games 2026 and becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual Golf Gold at the Asian Games,” Murmu wrote on X.
Pranavi carded a 15-under 265 over four rounds at the Kasugai Country Club East Course to clinch the title. She began the final round with a three-stroke lead and recovered from a triple bogey on the third hole with birdies on the sixth, 10th and 13th before finishing with an even-par 70.
Praising Pranavi’s composure throughout the competition, Murmu wrote, “From the opening tee to the final putt, you held your ground and claimed your place in the history of Indian golf.”
Pranavi’s individual gold was accompanied by another milestone as she helped India secure silver in the women’s team event, the country’s first medal in the women’s team golf competition at the Asian Games.
Murmu said Pranavi’s victory had given Indian women’s golf “a milestone to build upon” and wished her “many more accomplishments.”
(IANS Inputs)
