Chinese cheers rang around Türkiye on Wednesday as the compound men’s team secured their maiden appearance in a World Cup gold medal match at Antalya 2026 – stage three of this year’s circuit.
The seventh seed from qualifications, Liao Jiahao, Shi Jingyu and Liu Jinyi edged Germany and Korea by one point each before beating the second-ranked team in the world India, 235-232 for the historic feat, with celebrations from the archers, coaches and fellow teammates in the stands matching the moment in an ever-hot Gloria Sports Arena.
As he was in Shanghai – when China defeated India also, albeit a different team – Jinyi’s celebrations were beyond ecstatic, a poster of the fast-rising enthusiasm in the country for compound.
“I wouldn’t say it was a huge surprise,” said the 19-year-old athlete who seeded 16th in yesterday’s qualifications. “Reaching this stage proves that our training and technique are solid. I’m also incredibly grateful to the coaches and leadership for their constant support and guidance.”
“While I’m certainly excited to have made it this far, it didn’t come as a shock to me. I’ve loved the compound bow since I was young, so I was overjoyed and felt very lucky when compound archery was successfully added to the program for the LA28 Olympic Games.”
“It’s brought so much happiness to compound archers across the country. China is actively developing the sport, allowing more talent and outstanding athletes to try their hand at it and enter the competitive arena; I believe this is cultivating a wealth of sports talent for our nation.”
Whilst Jinyi shot brilliantly, performing perfectly in the semifinal with all eight of his arrows 10s or Xs, his ability to remain calm against Kushal Dalal, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru is what he is most proud of.
