Indian Archers Clinch Gold at Asian Games 2026, Securing LA28 Olympics Spot

Celebrating a Historic Win

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his congratulations to Indian archers Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Chikitha Taniparthi for their remarkable achievement in winning the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the Asian Games 2026. He took to social media to commend their success, noting that this victory also earned India a quota for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

"GOLD FOR BHARAT! Heartfelt congratulations to Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Chikitha Taniparthi for clinching the Gold Medal in the Compound Mixed Team event at #AsianGames2026. This monumental victory also secures an LA28 Olympics quota for India!" Mandaviya shared on social media.

Exciting Final Match Against South Korea

The gold medal triumph not only showcased India's archery prowess but also guaranteed a qualification spot for the compound mixed team event at the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The Indian pair demonstrated remarkable composure during a nail-biting final, which culminated in a shoot-off after the scores were tied.

Chikitha and Sahil kicked off the final with impressive performances, both scoring 10s on their initial shots. Their South Korean opponents, Park and Choi, matched this effort, resulting in a 20-20 tie after the first four arrows. India maintained their momentum in the first end, with both archers scoring another two 10s, finishing the opening end with a perfect score of 40, while South Korea trailed slightly with 39.

In the second end, Park and Choi scored 39 out of 40, but Chikitha and Sahil continued their streak with four consecutive 10s each, leading 80-78 at the halfway mark.

As the final progressed, both teams showcased their skills. South Korea kept the pressure on, but India extended their lead to 100-98 after 10 shots. However, India faced a challenge as both Chikitha and Sahil scored 9s, narrowing their advantage.

In a tense finish, Park and Choi opened with two 10s, putting India under pressure. Chikitha and Sahil responded with 10s, maintaining a slim lead. With South Korea needing a strong finish, Chikitha scored a 9 on her last shot, while Sahil managed a 10, resulting in a tie and leading to a shoot-off.

Triumph in the Shoot-Off

During the shoot-off, both Chikitha and Park scored 10s, with Park's arrow landing closer to the center. Sahil also scored a 10, while South Korea's Choi needed at least a 9 to keep their hopes alive. Choi managed a 9, sealing the victory for India and securing the gold medal.

This victory marks another significant achievement in India's archery campaign at the Asian Games 2026.

India's Impressive Medal Count

This gold medal adds to India's impressive tally at the Asian Games 2026, bringing the total to eight golds and 54 medals overall, which includes 21 silvers and 25 bronzes.

Earlier, India's women's compound archery team, featuring Prithika Pradeep, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Chikitha Taniparthi, also secured a gold medal by defeating China with a score of 238-234 in the final.