India began its Asian Games archery campaign in golden fashion as Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikhitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep combined experience and youthful energy to win the women’s compound team gold.
The Indian trio defeated China in the final on Wednesday, September 30, delivering a dominant performance to retain the title and match the world record. The victory also provided redemption for Jyothi, who had lost her individual compound crown earlier in the Games.
Jyothi entered the team final as one of the most experienced members of the Indian side. A former national-level swimmer, she eventually switched to archery and rapidly established herself among the leading compound archers in the world.
Jyothi’s Redemption At Asian Games
Jyothi had enjoyed a historic campaign at the 2023 Asian Games, winning gold in the women’s individual, women’s team and mixed team events. With three titles in one edition, she became the first Indian archer to achieve the feat at the Asian Games.
Her campaign in Nagoya, however, suffered a setback when she lost to Korea’s 14-year-old Kang Yeon-seo in the individual compound event, surrendering her crown.
That defeat added an extra layer of motivation as Jyothi returned to the team competition alongside Chikhitha and Prithika.
Chikhitha’s Rise In Compound Archery
Chikhitha Taniparthi brought emerging talent to the Indian lineup. Coming from a farming family, she was introduced to archery by her father after he read about the sport in a newspaper when she was in Class 2.
She began formal training in 2018 and steadily progressed through the ranks. Her international breakthrough came in 2025 at the World Archery Youth Championships in Winnipeg.
Chikhitha won the Under-21 women’s individual gold at the event, becoming the first Indian woman to win that title. Her rise quickly made her an important part of India’s compound archery setup.
Prithika Adds Youthful Spark
Prithika Pradeep initially took up archery as a hobby in Class 5 because she found the sport new and exciting. Her interest soon developed into a serious pursuit, prompting her parents to enrol her in professional coaching from Class 6.
She has since emerged as an important member of India’s archery team and has won seven medals at the international level.
Together with Jyothi and Chikhitha, Prithika entered the final with one clear objective — winning gold.
India Edge Korea In Tight Semi-Final
Before facing China, India had to overcome a major challenge from Korea.
The semi-final proved to be a tense contest. Both teams were level at 59-59 after the opening end. India then produced a stronger second end, scoring 59 against Korea’s 56 to establish an advantage.
India scored 58 in the third end but remained in control. Both teams matched each other with 58 in the final end, allowing India to secure a narrow 234-233 victory.
India Dominate China In Final
The final against China was a completely different contest.
India immediately seized control, producing 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 against China’s 58.
India carried a 178-176 advantage into the final end.
China struggled under pressure and recorded two 9s, while India produced another flawless round. Six perfect 10s in the final end sealed the victory.
India finished with a convincing win over China and retained the Asian Games women’s compound team title.
While Chikhitha had a few 9s during the final, Jyothi and Prithika maintained remarkable consistency, repeatedly finding the 10-ring.
The gold marked a bright start to India’s archery campaign in Nagoya, with the experienced Jyothi joined by the youthful Chikhitha and Prithika to deliver a memorable team performance.
