Prathamesh Fuge Wins Gold in Men’s Compound Archery at Veronica’s Cup 2025 in Slovenia

In a riveting climax to the Veronica’s Cup 2025, Indian archer Prathamesh Fuge etched his name into the international spotlight by winning the gold medal in the men’s compound individual event. The tournament, hosted in Kamnik, Slovenia from May 22 to 25, saw Fuge triumph over defending champion Shamai Yamrom of Israel in a high-stakes shoot-off that captured the attention of the archery world.

Fuge and Yamrom, two of the sport’s most formidable talents, finished regulation play deadlocked at 148 points apiece a testament to their precision and composure under pressure. With gold hanging in the balance, the competition went into a one-arrow shoot-off. Both archers delivered near-perfect shots, but it was Fuge’s arrow that edged closer to the center, clinching the victory and delivering a defining moment in his burgeoning career.

“I’ve dreamed about this moment for years,” said Fuge after the match. “Going up against Shamai, who’s such a respected name in the sport, and coming out on top in a shoot-off it’s just surreal. This is not just a win for me, but for all the young archers back home in India.”

The 2025 edition of Veronica’s Cup drew elite talent from across the globe and served as a critical stepping stone for athletes preparing for future world championships and Olympic competition. While compound archery is yet to debut at the Olympics set to make its first appearance in the 2028 Los Angeles Games Fuge’s performance underscores India’s rapid rise in the discipline and its aspirations to become a dominant force.

India’s archery program has steadily evolved over the last decade, with increased investment in coaching, grassroots development, and international exposure. Fuge’s victory is widely seen as a validation of those efforts and a signal that Indian archers are now serious contenders on the world stage not just in recurve, but increasingly in compound events as well.

Defending champion Shamai Yamrom was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the intensity of the competition. “It was a hard-fought match and Prathamesh was exceptional. These are the moments we train for the pressure, the spotlight, the shoot-offs. I’ll be back stronger.”

With the win, Fuge adds another major title to his résumé and builds momentum heading into the remainder of the international archery season. His poise under pressure, technical consistency, and strategic shot placement have earned him praise from coaches and commentators alike.

As the sun set on this year’s Veronica’s Cup, the spotlight remained firmly on Prathamesh Fuge not just as the tournament’s champion, but as a symbol of India’s rising stature in the global archery community. With the Olympic debut of compound archery just three years away, performances like these are setting the tone for a new era in the sport.