India shines bright with gold over China in Asian Games archery, clinches mixed team crown 

NAGOYA: India made a golden start in archery at the Asian Games, defeating China to retain the women’s compound team title. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Preetika Pradeep of the Indian team clinched the gold medal. India followed this with another gold in the compound mixed team event, defeating South Korea in a shoot-off.

At the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, India had ended South Korea’s dominance in archery. The Indian archers entered the Nagoya Games hoping to repeat their strong performance.

South Korea posed the biggest challenge before the final. In an exciting semifinal, both teams scored 59 points in the first end. India gained the advantage in the second end, with Jyothi’s experience and strong performances from Chikitha and Preetika helping the team take the lead.

India scored 59 points to South Korea’s 56 in the second end. Although India managed only 58 points in the third end, the lead built in the second end proved crucial. In the final end, India matched South Korea with 58 points and won the match 234–233 to reach the final.

India dominated China from the beginning of the final. India led 60–58 in the first end and repeated the same score in the second. Going into the final end, India held a 178-176 lead. India maintained its composure at the decisive stage, producing strong shots to stay ahead of China. The Indian team eventually secured the gold medal after another commanding final end.

India’s performance also matched the world-record score set by South Korea, making the victory a historic moment.