President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday congratulated Indian athletes Kumkum Mohod and Pranavi Sharath Urs for winning historic gold medals at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Kumkum won gold in women's individual recurve archery, while Pranavi claimed the women's individual golf title. Their victories marked important firsts for Indian women in both sports.Why Did President Murmu Congratulate Kumkum Mohod?President Droupadi Murmu congratulated 17-year-old archer Kumkum Anil Mohod for becoming the first Indian woman to win the Asian Games gold medal in the women's individual recurve event.In her message, the President praised Kumkum's performance throughout the competition. She also highlighted the young athlete's contribution to India's success in the team events.Murmu said that Kumkum's achievement would inspire many young people, especially girls, to take part in sports and work towards their goals.The President also referred to the moment when India's national anthem played at the archery venue after Kumkum's gold-medal victory. She wished the young archer continued success in her sporting career.How Did Kumkum Mohod Win the Historic Archery Gold?Kumkum Mohod defeated South Korea's Yejin Oh in a closely contested final on Saturday. The match was tied at 5-5 after five sets, forcing a one-arrow shoot-off to decide the winner.In the decisive moment, Oh scored 8 points with her arrow. Kumkum then delivered a perfect 10 to secure the gold medal for India.Her victory was also important for India's future Olympic campaign. The win secured an individual quota place for India in women's recurve archery at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.Kumkum had already won medals in the team competitions during the Games. She was part of India's women's recurve team that won gold and also secured silver in the mixed team event with Dhiraj Bommadevara.What Made Pranavi Urs' Golf Victory Historic?President Murmu also congratulated Pranavi Sharath Urs after she won gold in the women's individual stroke play golf event. Pranavi became the first Indian woman to win an individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games.The President praised her calm performance and strong finish. She said that Pranavi's achievement had created an important milestone for Indian women's golf.Pranavi completed four rounds with a total score of 15-under-par 265 at Kasugai Country Club East Course in Japan. She finished one stroke ahead of her closest competitors to secure the gold medal.The 23-year-old golfer from Mysuru entered the final round with a three-stroke lead. However, she faced an early challenge after recording a triple bogey on the third hole.She recovered through birdies on the sixth, 10th and 13th holes. Pranavi finished her final round at even-par 70 and held on to her lead to claim the historic title.How Did Pranavi Help India Win a Team Medal?Along with her individual gold, Pranavi also played an important role in India's women's golf team winning silver at the Asian Games 2026.She competed alongside Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar in the women's team event. The Indian team finished with a combined score of 14-under-par 546.China won the team gold with a total score of 22-under-par 538, while India secured silver. This was India's first-ever medal in the women's team golf event at the Asian Games.Pranavi's individual victory also added to India's history in Asian Games golf. Before her achievement, Shiv Kapur had won the men's individual golf gold in 2002.Her performance made her the first Indian woman to win an individual gold medal in golf at the continental sporting event.What Did President Murmu Say About Their Achievements?President Murmu highlighted how both athletes had created new milestones for Indian women's sports.In her message to Kumkum, she praised the teenager's exceptional campaign and said her performance would motivate young Indians, particularly girls, to achieve excellence.For Pranavi, the President praised her ability to maintain control throughout the golf competition. She noted that the golfer had earned her place in Indian sporting history.The President also wished both athletes success in their future competitions.Their victories came during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, where Indian athletes continued to compete across several sporting events. The achievements of Kumkum and Pranavi added two historic individual gold medals to India's campaign.Both performances also showed the growing presence of Indian women in international sports. Kumkum's success created a new record in individual recurve archery, while Pranavi's victory opened a new chapter in women's golf.As the Games continued, their achievements remained significant moments for India's sporting journey.
