Indian archery wins record nine medals at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Indian Archery Wins Nine Medals at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Indian archery secured its richest medal haul yet at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, capturing nine total medals comprised of five gold, two silver, and two bronze. The campaign showcased not only the continued strength of India’s compound archers but also major breakthroughs in recurve events, which have historically been dominated by Korea.

Compound Dominance and Olympic Quotas Secured

India swept all three compound team gold medals—men’s, women’s, and mixed—for the second consecutive Asian Games. During the competition, the women’s compound team equalled the world record in the final. The mixed compound pair also secured India's quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where compound archery will make its Olympic debut.

Recurve Breakthroughs Challenge Traditional Powerhouses

The defining narrative of the Games unfolded in recurve divisions. The Indian women’s recurve team ended Korea’s seven-edition winning streak to claim India’s first-ever gold medal in the event. The mixed recurve pair captured India’s maiden medal in that discipline, while the men’s team earned a second consecutive silver medal. A 17-year-old Indian archer capped the campaign by winning a historic individual recurve gold and earning another Olympic berth.

Yet the defining story of these Games was written in recurve, a discipline long dominated by Korea, Archery Association of India (AAI) secretary general Virendra Sachdeva stated. Sachdeva added that the achievements resulted from fifteen years of sustained collective effort, including infrastructure development, coaching expertise, sports science, and global exposure.

Overcoming Environmental Challenges in Nagoya

Athletes faced difficult conditions during the tournament in Nagoya, including long commutes, testing winds, and heavy rain. Sachdeva noted that the team maintained poise through these challenges, reflecting strong character and preparation. The women’s contingent led the medal charge across both recurve and compound disciplines.

Future Outlook for Indian Archery

With compound archery approaching its Olympic debut and multiple Olympic berths secured through the Nagoya campaign, Indian archery prepares for upcoming international competitions. Sachdeva emphasized that the performances demonstrated the team’s readiness to compete against the best nations in Asia and globally.