Asian Games: Jyothi’s Redemption, Chikhita and Prithika Lead India to Golden Archery Start

India began their Asian Games archery campaign in Nagoya with a reputation to uphold, and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikhita Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep delivered in style.

The Indian women’s compound team entered the competition as defending champions after ending South Korea’s long-standing dominance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. With a strong mix of experience and youth, the trio had their sights firmly set on retaining the title.

Jyothi was once again at the heart of India’s campaign. A former national-level swimmer, she took up archery at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the world’s leading compound archers.

Her breakthrough came at the 2023 Asian Games, where she created history by winning gold in the women’s individual, women’s team and mixed team events. She became the first Indian archer to win three gold medals at a single edition of the Asian Games.

However, Nagoya also offered Jyothi an opportunity to bounce back after she lost her individual compound title to 14-year-old South Korean Kang Yeon-seo. Alongside her was the emerging duo of Chikhita and Prithika.

Chikhita’s journey began in a farming family. Her father introduced her to archery after reading about the sport in a newspaper when she was in Class 2. She began formal training in 2018 and soon developed into one of India’s promising compound archers.

Her international breakthrough came in 2025. At the World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg, she won the Under-21 women’s individual gold and became the first Indian woman to win the title.

Prithika, meanwhile, first picked up a bow as a hobby in Class 5. Her interest grew quickly, and her parents enrolled her in professional coaching from Class 6. She subsequently progressed into India’s senior compound archery setup and has collected seven international medals.

Together, the trio entered Wednesday’s competition with a straightforward target: another Asian Games gold.

INDIA EDGE KOREA IN THRILLING SEMI-FINAL

India first had to overcome South Korea, the team they had displaced at the top of the Asian Games compound archery podium in Hangzhou.

The semi-final lived up to expectations, with both teams producing a closely fought contest.

The opening end ended level at 59-59. India then seized control in the second end, scoring 59 to Korea’s 56 and taking a three-point advantage.

India managed 58 in the third end, but the lead proved crucial. Both teams scored 58 in the final end, allowing India to complete a 234-233 victory and book their place in the final.

INDIA PRODUCE FLAWLESS FINISH AGAINST CHINA

The final against China was a different story.

India immediately established control, firing a series of perfect 10s to take the opening end 60-58.

The defending champions maintained their composure in the second end, again scoring 60 to China’s 58. That extended India’s overall lead to 120-116.

India carried a 178-176 advantage into the final end and remained composed under pressure. China faltered with two 9s, while the Indian trio produced a flawless final round.

Six consecutive 10s in the final end sealed a 238-? victory and secured India’s gold medal.

Jyothi and Prithika were particularly consistent, repeatedly finding the 10-ring, while Chikhita also played her part despite a handful of 9s.

The victory allowed India to retain the women’s compound team title and equal the world record.

For Jyothi, it was also a successful response after losing her individual crown. For Chikhita and Prithika, it was another major milestone in their rapidly developing international careers.

As the three archers celebrated with their gold medals, India had made a strong start to their Asian Games archery title defence.