India Secures Spot in Women's Recurve Archery Final at Asian Games 2026

In a remarkable performance, India's women's recurve archery team triumphed over China with a 5-1 victory in the semifinals of the Asian Games 2026. The team, consisting of Kumkum Mohod, Ankita Bhakat, and Kirti Sharma, showcased their skills and resilience, securing a spot in the gold medal match against South Korea. This victory not only brings them closer to a gold medal but also holds significance for Olympic qualification for LA 2028. The day promises more excitement with additional archery events and India's women's hockey team aiming for gold against China. Stay tuned for updates on this thrilling day at the Asian Games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 2, 2026, 07:41 IST

India Triumphs Over China in Semifinal

In a thrilling semifinal match at the Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Indian women's recurve archery team achieved a convincing 5-1 victory against China, earning a place in the gold medal match against South Korea.

The trio of Kumkum Mohod, Ankita Bhakat, and Kirti Sharma showcased their skills with impressive scores of 53-51, 54-52, and 51-51 across three sets, as reported by ESPN.

Despite a slow start that saw them trailing 25-26 after the first rotation of the opening set, India rallied back, scoring 28 points in the second rotation to clinch the first set 53-51 and take a 2-0 lead.

In the second set, Kirti kicked off with a perfect 10, followed by Ankita and Kumkum contributing eight and nine points, respectively, giving India a two-point lead after the first rotation.

China managed to finish the set with 52 points, but India surged ahead with a score of 54, with Kumkum sealing the set with a final arrow of 10, extending their lead to 4-0.

The third set saw China putting up a fight, leveling the score at 25 after the first rotation. India regained a one-point lead in the second rotation, but China concluded with 51 points.

Needing only a tie to secure the semifinal, India held their composure, finishing the third set at 51 and achieving a 5-1 victory.

This win propels India into the women's recurve team final against South Korea later today, with hopes of adding another gold medal to the nation's tally, which is crucial for LA 2028 Olympic qualification.

Additionally, India has more chances in recurve archery today, with mixed team and men's team semifinals scheduled.

Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara will compete against Japan in the mixed team semifinal, while Dhiraj, Neeraj Chauhan, and Yashdeep Bhoge will face Iran in the men's team semifinal.

The mixed recurve team event presents an added incentive, as the winning National Olympic Committee will secure one men's and one women's quota for the LA 2028 Olympics.

Later today, India's women's hockey team will also vie for gold against defending champions China at 3:30 PM IST. A win would mark India's first Asian Games women's hockey gold since 1982 and ensure direct qualification for LA 2028.

In boxing, three more gold medal opportunities await, with Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain set to face China's Ziyi Bao in the women's 75kg final at 10 AM, followed by Parveen Hooda against Olympic medallist Chen Nien-Chin of Chinese Taipei in the women's 65kg final at 2:15 PM, and Ankush Panghal competing in the men's 80kg final against Korea's Minseong Kim.

Wrestling will see four Indian athletes begin their campaigns, while India has already secured a medal in men's quadrant sepaktakraw after reaching the semifinals.

The day's events will also include track cycling, sailing, golf, canoe slalom, rugby sevens, taekwondo, and volleyball, making it an action-packed Day 13 at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.