Prithika Pradeep Leads Indian Archers to Gold at Asian Games 2026

Historic Victory for Indian Archers

Following their remarkable achievement in the women's compound archery team event at the Asian Games 2026, young archer Prithika Pradeep expressed gratitude for her teammates' unwavering support, confidence in her skills, and effective communication, which contributed to their historic win.

Team Effort and Personal Trust

Prithika, who secured the Gold medal alongside teammates Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikitha Taniparthi, emphasized that she did not allow her age to hinder her performance. "I am thrilled that we clinched this Gold medal together. I focused on trusting my shots and my teammates rather than worrying about age," she shared after their victory.

The Beginning of an Archery Journey

Reflecting on her archery journey, Prithika revealed that she began the sport in the fourth grade after discovering it through her school's hobby club. "I started archery in school when I was in the fourth standard. We had a list of activities to choose from, and I found archery intriguing. I asked my mother about it, and she explained it involved a bow and arrow. I decided to give it a try, and that’s how my journey began," she recounted.

Facing and Overcoming Challenges

Prithika shared that her path was not without obstacles, including her transition from recurve to compound archery due to difficulties in reaching the necessary distance with the former. "Initially, my performance was subpar, and my grouping was loose. However, my coach believed in me and kept motivating me, assuring me that I would achieve great things. At the time, I questioned his faith in me, but now I see the value of our collective effort—my parents, my coach, and myself," she explained.

Strategic Communication for Success

Discussing their strategy during the Gold medal-winning match, Prithika noted that the team prioritized communication and adapting to changing wind conditions. "The wind impacted our shots, so we communicated about its behavior and our aiming adjustments. We reminded each other of our cues, focused on our own performance rather than our opponents, trusted our skills, and maintained strong communication throughout the match. This teamwork was crucial in securing the Gold medal," she stated.

A Record-Equalling Performance

In the final against China, Indian archers showcased exceptional skill, winning with a score of 238-234. They led from the outset, marking Jyothi's fourth Asian Games Gold and the first for both Chikitha and Prithika in their debut appearances. This victory marks India's seventh Gold at the Asian Games, contributing to a total of 53 medals, which includes 21 silvers and 25 bronzes. They matched South Korea's world record of 238 set in 2014 to achieve this Gold.