Indian archer, Kushal Dalal, wins the GT Open Indoor World Series title in the men’s compound category in Strassen, Luxembourg. Kushal clinched the gold medal after defeating former world number one Stephen Hansen of the U.S. in a rare double shoot-off.
Earlier, Kushal reached the finals after beating World Champion Nicolas Gerard of France in the semi-finals. India’s Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru also secured bronze in the Under-21 men’s compound category.
His victory adds to a strong year that already includes two Asia Cup golds. India also celebrated a bronze medal by Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru in the U-21 event, underscoring the nation’s growing strength in compound archery. Dalal’s triumph boosts his world ranking and positions him as a rising star on the global archery stage.
Both shot 148 with Dalal dropping points in the 4th and 5th end. The first shoot-off saw both athletes shoot a half-in ten which was too close to call. In the second shoot-off, Dalal held his nerve for a good ten, while Hansen, whose form seemed to have wandered, delivered a bad one.
Both shot 148 with Dalal dropping points in the 4th and 5th end. The first shoot-off saw both athletes shoot a half-in ten which was too close to call. In the second shoot-off, Dalal held his nerve for a good ten, while Hansen, whose form seemed to have wandered, delivered a bad one.
“I’m feeling great,” said Dalal. “This was my first indoor season, and I gained so much experience. I saw Nicolas shooting a perfect 600.”
The 20-year-old Dalal has had a breakthrough year outdoors taking gold at two Asia Cup legs, but it was the first time he had faced a series of matches quite this close. “I had four shoot-offs. Like the quarters, the semis and the finals as well!” he said.