GWANGJU – South Korean archer Kang Chae-young has finally claimed her first major individual gold medal, ending a decade-long wait for the title. The 29-year-old secured the recurve women’s individual final at the 2025 World Archery Championships in Gwangju on Tuesday, defeating China's Ju Jingyi with a score of 7-3.

Kang’s victory is particularly significant as it marks her first gold medal in a major individual event. While she has won numerous golds at the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games, those were all in team or mixed team competitions. Her previous best individual result at the World Championships was a silver medal in 2019.

The victory was an emotional one for Kang. "This is my fifth World Championships since my debut at age 20, and it's my first individual gold," she said. "It took exactly 10 years to get this medal. I'm so happy and overwhelmed that I finally did it. I want to enjoy this moment." She added that the feeling of winning was comparable to claiming an Olympic gold and that she felt a flood of emotions reflecting on her journey.

The win was even more meaningful as it took place in Korea, in her mother's hometown of Gwangju, with her family and friends in attendance. “I’m so glad I got a good result with my family and friends here to cheer me on,” she said.

Kang's path to the final was not easy, as she faced tough matches from the round of 32 onwards. "All the matches were difficult, and the final was no different," she admitted. "I was so nervous before the match, but I didn't know I could shoot 10s so well. I just tried to stay focused until the end." In a tense semifinal, she even faced her teammate An San. After losing the first two sets, Kang mounted a dramatic comeback to win the next three sets. "It wasn't easy playing against An San, but my mind was at ease," she explained. "I knew that either way, a Korean athlete would advance, so I was able to relax and enjoy the match."

With her first major individual title in hand, Kang confidently announced her next goal: achieving the 'Grand Slam' of archery by winning individual gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. "I've just taken my first step," she said. "I'll continue to do what I've always done and compete without losing faith in myself, so I have no regrets."