Deepika Kumari struck gold while Ankita Bhakat bagged the silver after securing India an Olympics quota place at the Continental Qualification Tournament held on the sidelines of the 21st Asian Championships.

Three individual places were up for grabs from the qualifications and the Indian archers, who are competing without a flag due to the national federation’s suspension, made a big statement with top seed Deepika and sixth seed Ankita’s stellar show.

Ranked No. 1 among the women, Deepika put up a flawless show to defeat Nur Afisa Abdul Halil of Malaysia 7-2, Zahra Nemati 6-4 and local girl Narisara Khunhiranchaiyo 6-2 to make the semifinals, thereby securing an Olympics quota. “We were a little bit nervous earlier in the day. There was too much wind. I just concentrated on my breathing and told myself ‘just do it’. I’m feeling good right now,” Deepika said.