Gwangju: Back on the national team after missing out on the Olympics last year, South Korean archer Kang Chae-young marked her return with her first individual world title Friday. The 29-year-old said the time away from the grind of competing for one of the world's premier archery powerhouses did wonders for her confidence and self-esteem.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang defeated Zhu Jingyi of China 7-3 (29-29, 29-28, 29-29, 30-30, 29-28) at the May 18 Democracy Plaza in Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul, on the final day of the 2025 World Archery Championships. In individual recurve matches, archers each shoot three arrows per set, for a maximum score of 30 points. They earn two points for a set win and one point for a tie. The goal is to score six points first.
In the nailbiting contest, both Kang and Zhu shot nothing but 9s and 10s. Kang punctuated her victory with a 10 with her final arrow, her 11th of the final. "I was so nervous and I didn't think I was going to shoot so many 10s," Kang said with a smile. "I tried to stay locked in until the end and I got it done."
This was Kang's fifth world championship appearance and her best individual showing had been a silver in 2019. "It's taken me 10 years to get here. I didn't have one easy match, all the way from the round of 32 to the final," Kang said. "I am so happy. I will enjoy this victory tonight."
Reflecting on last year, Kang said she used the time off from the national team to recharge mentally. "I felt like I'd reached a point where the burden of playing for the country became too much," Kang said. "I got into graduate school this year. And seeing myself juggle school and my archery career has helped raise my self-esteem. I made it back feeling more confident."
Kang had said earlier in the week that she hoped to see a podium sweep by South Korea. That did not materialize, with Lim Si-hyeon getting eliminated in the quarterfinals and An San losing to Kang in the semifinals. An later claimed bronze. Kang said she wasn't all that stressed out about facing her teammate, adding, "I was able to relax a bit, knowing that no matter who wins, we would have a Korean archer in the final."
Kang was a member of the Olympic gold medal team at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and has had success in team events at world championships. But until her breakthrough Friday, Kang had battled the perception that she wasn't cut out for individual events. "I tried to not think of that too much," Kang said. "I just feel I've been unlucky at times. I think I am much stronger now."
Kang said winning this gold in Gwangju is extra special because her mother is from the city. "My family is here and I've had so much support from the fans the whole week," Kang said. "Their presence has meant so much to me."