Golden Arrow: Chikitha Taniparthi Shoots Her Way Into History at World Archery Youth Championships 2025

India’s archery contingent has struck gold in the most literal sense, thanks to a trailblazing performance by Chikitha Taniparthi at the World Archery Youth Championships 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada. The 20-year-old compound archer from Peddapalli, Telangana, clinched the Under-21 women’s individual title, becoming the first Indian female compound archer to win gold in this category at the Youth World Championships.

Her victory not only marks a personal milestone but also elevates India’s standing in global youth archery, with the nation now sitting third on the overall medals table.

Key highlights from the championship

- Chikitha Taniparthi won the U21 women’s compound gold medal with a score of 142-136 against Korea’s Park Yerin  
- She defeated Spain’s Paula Diaz Morillas 142-133 in the semi-finals  
- In the quarter-finals, Chikitha edged past fellow Indian and 2023 senior Asian champion Parneet Kaur 146-143  
- India has secured six medals so far: three gold, two silver, and one bronze  
- The USA leads the medals tally, followed by South Korea and India  

Chikitha’s golden run

Chikitha’s journey through the knockout stages was a masterclass in composure and precision. She began her campaign with a nail-biting quarter-final against Parneet Kaur, where she held her nerve to win by three points. In the semi-final, she breezed past Spain’s Paula Diaz Morillas with a commanding nine-point margin.

The final against Korea’s Park Yerin was a closely contested affair. Chikitha maintained her rhythm and focus, ultimately sealing the win with a six-point lead. Her final score of 142 out of a possible 150 showcased her consistency and mental strength under pressure.

This historic win places Chikitha in the elite league of Indian archers and sets a new benchmark for compound archery in the country.

India’s overall performance

India’s youth archers have delivered a strong showing across categories:

1. Prithika Pradeep won silver in the U18 women’s compound individual event, narrowly losing 143-140 to USA’s Savannah O’Donoghue  
2. The U18 compound mixed team of Prithika and Mohit Dagar settled for silver after a 150-149 defeat to the American pair  
3. The U18 men’s compound team clinched gold by defeating the USA  
4. The U21 men’s compound team also won gold, beating Germany in the final  
5. The U18 women’s recurve team secured bronze by overcoming the USA  

India’s medal tally now stands at six, placing the country third behind the USA and South Korea. The performance reflects growing depth and talent in India’s youth archery ecosystem.

The rise of Telangana’s archery star

Chikitha hails from Sultanpur in Eligedu mandal, Peddapalli district. Her journey from local competitions to the world stage is a testament to grassroots sports development in Telangana. She has previously won medals at national and international levels, but this gold marks her most significant achievement yet.

Her family and community have expressed immense pride, with celebrations erupting across her hometown. Chikitha’s win is expected to inspire a new generation of archers, especially young girls in rural India.

What’s next for India’s archers

- Continued competition in recurve and compound events through August 24  
- Sharvari Somnath Shende to face South Korea’s Kim Minjeong in the U18 women’s recurve  
- India’s mixed recurve team to compete for bronze against Chinese Taipei  

As the championship draws to a close, India’s archers have already made a lasting impression. Chikitha Taniparthi’s golden arrow will be remembered not just for its precision, but for the pride and promise it brings to Indian sport.

Sources: Tribune India, Khel Now, Telangana Today, Olympics.com