Asian Games 2026: Jyothi Surekha Leads India to Archery Gold With Chikhitha, Prithika
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikhitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep defeated China in the women’s compound team final to win India’s first archery gold at the Asian Games in Nagoya.
India began its Asian Games 2026 archery campaign with a gold medal as Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikhitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep defeated China in the women’s compound team final.
The victory also marked a comeback moment for Jyothi, who had lost her individual compound crown to 14-year-old South Korean archer Kang Yeon-seo. The experienced Jyothi was joined by the younger Chikhitha and Prithika, who brought energy and composure to the team.
Chikhitha, who comes from a farming family, started training in 2018 after being introduced to archery by her father. She later won the Under-21 women’s individual gold at the 2025 World Archery Youth Championships.
Prithika first picked up archery as a school hobby before taking professional coaching. She has since collected seven international medals.
India faced Korea in a closely contested semifinal, eventually winning 234-233. The final against China, however, was more one-sided.
India opened with a 60-58 advantage and maintained the same score in the second end. Leading 178-176 going into the final end, the Indian trio produced a flawless finish while China slipped with two 9s.
Six perfect 10s in the final end sealed India’s victory and allowed the defending champions to retain the women’s compound team title while matching the world record.
The gold also gave India an early boost as the country began its title defence in Nagoya.
