The Archery World Cup in Shanghai, China, witnessed a remarkable performance by the Mexican archers, with the women's compound team clinching gold and the men's team securing silver. The trio of Andrea Becerra, Mariana Bernal, and Adriana Castillo showcased their exceptional skills, defeating the Indian team with a score of 234-222 in the final held on May 9, 2025. This victory marks Mexico's second gold medal of the season in the women's compound category, following their triumph at the first stage of the World Cup in Florida.
The Mexican women's team demonstrated impressive consistency throughout the competition. They started strong, not only winning each round but also achieving a perfect score of 30 points in the first set. Despite a slight hiccup in the second round, where Becerra shot an 8 due to wind conditions, the team maintained their composure and built a solid lead. They finished the final round with three perfect tens, sealing their victory and bringing pride to their country.
"We stayed focused throughout the match, and our teamwork was key to this win," said Becerra after the match. The Mexican archers faced tough competition, having previously defeated the Chinese Taipei team 231-229 in the quarterfinals and Turkey 234-231 in the semifinals. Their journey to gold was marked by determination and skill, reflecting Mexico's growing strength in international archery.
In the men's compound event, the Mexican team of Sebastián García, Luis Lezama, and Rodrigo González also put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against India, losing 232-228. The match was fiercely contested, with the Mexican team initially trailing but managing to tie the score at one point. However, the Indian team, featuring Abhishek Verma, Rishabh Yadav, and Ojas Pravin Deotale, held their nerve to secure the gold.
García expressed pride in their performance despite the loss, stating, "We fought hard, and I believe we can learn from this experience as we prepare for future competitions." The silver medal for the men's team adds to Mexico's achievements at this World Cup, showcasing the depth of talent in the country.
As the competition continues, all eyes are now on Matías Grande, who is set to compete in the semifinals of the men's individual recurve on May 11, 2025. Grande's performance could potentially add another medal to Mexico's tally, further enhancing the nation's reputation in the archery world.
This event not only highlights the skill of the Mexican archers but also serves as a reminder of the country's commitment to excelling in sports on the global stage. With two medals already secured, Mexico's delegation is eager to add more hardware as the World Cup progresses.
In summary, the Archery World Cup in Shanghai has been a significant milestone for Mexican archery, with the women's compound team shining brightly and the men's team showing great promise. The results reflect the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their coaches, as they continue to strive for excellence in their sport.
