New Delhi: The Indian women’s compound archery team delivered a masterclass in precision on Wednesday at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, defeating China to secure the gold medal in emphatic fashion. The formidable trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Prithika Pradeep held their nerve through all four ends to post an exceptional score of 238 against China’s 234. The winning tally of 238 not only earned India the top podium spot but also equalled the world and Asian record set by South Korea in 2014, cementing the squad’s status as a dominant force on the international stage.
The gold-medal showdown saw the Indian archers establish control early with consistent hits in the inner ten-ring, refusing to yield under immense pressure from a skilled Chinese outfit. Entering the final end with momentum on their side, India unleashed a string of near-flawless arrows to widen the scoring gap and extinguish any hopes of a late Chinese comeback. The performance showcased clinical execution, deep camaraderie, and remarkable technical discipline under breezy outdoor conditions.
The triumph capped off a gruelling morning for the Indian squad, who had to navigate an edge-of-the-seat semifinal clash against heavyweights South Korea. Locked in a tight battle that saw the scores level at 175-all midway through, India relied on ice-cool finishes from young sensations Chikitha and Prithika, alongside the steady presence of veteran anchor Jyothi, to scrape through with a breathtaking 234-233 victory. That one-point triumph set the stage for their historic charge in the final.
With this victory, India successfully defended the women’s team title won at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, continuing an unbroken podium streak at the continental event. India has medalled in every edition of the women’s compound archery team competition since its introduction in 2014, collecting bronze in Incheon, silver in Jakarta, and back-to-back golds in Hangzhou and Aichi-Nagoya. Veteran Jyothi Surekha Vennam has featured in all four medal-winning squads, writing another illustrious chapter in her storied international career.
