China make history with first recurve women's team title at Archery World Cup

Upsets are the very soul of sports. The potential for underdogs to defy expectations and triumph over more illustrious opponents is what keeps us enthralled in the world of sports. And when these upsets do unfold, the sheer elation and sense of accomplishment make the entire journey worthwhile. That's precisely why Li Jiaman couldn't contain her tears as she stood proudly atop the podium at the 2024 Archery World Cup.  

Leading China to a history-making victory over archery giants South Korea, securing their first-ever recurve women's team title, was undoubtedly an astounding achievement. "When I heard the national anthem during the award ceremony, I was overwhelmed with excitement," said Li afterwards. "Winning the trophy this time was a truly arduous journey. I have envisioned countless times defeating South Korea, but I never dared to imagine that these dreams would one day become a reality."

South Korea, with their nine consecutive Olympic gold medals in the women's recurve team event, were heavily favored to maintain their dominance at the World Cup. Nonetheless, China's exceptional performance proved that reputation alone cannot guarantee success. The talented trio of Li, An Qixuan and Yang Xiaolei truly showcased their mettle right from the start. With impressive scores of 55-54 and 56-54, they secured victory in the first two sets, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead. 

Despite the setback, South Korea launched a spirited comeback in the third set, narrowing the gap 57-50. Yet, it was in the pivotal fourth set that China truly demonstrated their resilience. Overcoming the immense pressure, they emerged triumphant 56-55. This hard-fought victory ultimately granted China a comprehensive 6-2 win over their old adversaries.

"Today, our performance was commendable," beamed Li. "Facing the South Korean team was undoubtedly nerve-wracking, but what mattered most was learning to gradually adjust ourselves. I hope to have more opportunities to step onto the final stage and learn how to manage my composure in such intense situations."

The sentiment was echoed by China coach Zheng Lixun. "Whether it's in terms of international rankings or fundamental skills, we still have a gap to bridge with South Korea," admitted Zheng. "We need to acknowledge this gap and work hard to identify areas for improvement. However, we have also witnessed that in the sport of archery, if you dare to compete and fight with all your might, there is still a chance to claim the title."

With less than 100 days remaining until the opening of the Paris Olympics, China's victory holds immense significance as it greatly boosts the confidence of their athletes and the morale of the entire team. "Competitive sports are inherently equitable. There are no permanent winners," Li added. 

"As long as we perform to the best of our abilities, anything is possible. Everyone has an equal opportunity. This title will serve as a solid foundation for us moving forward."