India’s women’s compound archery team delivered a commanding performance against China to win gold at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Wednesday, September 30. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikhita Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep combined experience, composure and precision to retain the title and secure India’s first archery gold of this edition.
The victory marked a strong response from Jyothi after her individual title defence ended with a defeat to South Korea’s Kang Yeon-seo. Alongside two emerging talents, the experienced archer helped India overcome a tense semifinal before producing a confident display in the gold-medal contest.
India Edge Korea Before Dominating China
India’s toughest challenge came in the semifinal against South Korea. Both teams opened with 59 points, leaving the contest evenly balanced. India gained a crucial advantage in the second end, scoring 59 against Korea’s 56. The Korean team kept the pressure on, but India held its nerve to complete a narrow 234–233 victory and advance to the final.
Against China, the defending champions began with six perfect 10s, taking an early 60–58 lead. Their accuracy and control continued through the contest, with Jyothi and Prithika repeatedly finding the centre of the target.
India entered the final end with a two-point advantage. As China dropped points under pressure, the Indian trio finished with another flawless set of six 10s to secure gold. The decisive closing performance underlined the team’s ability to deliver when the title was on the line.
Jyothi’s Experience Meets India’s Rising Talent
Jyothi’s leadership remained central to India’s success. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she won gold in the women’s individual, women’s team and mixed team events. Her latest team triumph added another memorable chapter to that record.
Chikhita’s journey began after her father encouraged her to explore archery during her school years. She started formal training in 2018 and later won the Under-21 women’s individual gold at the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg.
Prithika first tried archery as a hobby in Class 5 before moving into professional coaching with her parents’ support. Her progress on the international stage helped her earn a place in India’s successful compound team. Together, the three archers demonstrated the strength of India’s established performers and emerging talent. Their title defence provided a golden start to the country’s archery medal campaign in Nagoya.
