Archery / Chikitha, Sahil Secure Archery Mixed Team Gold for India at Asian Games

Okazaki, Sep 30: India’s compound archery campaign soared to new heights at the Asian Games as Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav held their composure in a tense shoot‑off to edge past South Korea, clinching the mixed team gold and securing a historic Olympic quota for Los Angeles 2028, just after the women’s team secured the yellow metal with a record score.

The final against South Korea’s Park Jungyoon and Choi Yonghee ended 157‑157, forcing a dramatic shoot‑off. Chikitha struck a 10, Park matched her, and Sahil followed with another 10. Choi, under immense pressure, managed only a 9, handing India the gold.

This triumph marked Chikitha’s second gold of the Games after her success in the women’s team event earlier in the day, while Sahil celebrated his first. It was also India’s eighth gold at the ongoing continental showpiece, taking the overall medal tally to 54 medals — eight gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze.

Also read: Indian Women Compound Archers Defend Asian Games Gold, Breaks World Record

The match itself was a rollercoaster. India began strongly, with both archers hitting the 10‑ring to tie the opening rotation at 20‑20. Park’s nine in the first end gave India a slim lead, which Chikitha and Sahil extended to 40‑39. By the halfway stage, India had built an 80‑78 advantage, thanks to flawless shooting.

South Korea fought back in the third end, capitalizing when both Indians missed the 10‑ring to reduce the deficit to one point. India led 118‑117 heading into the final arrows. The Koreans then delivered a perfect 20, leaving India needing two 10s to avoid defeat. Chikitha’s nine seemed to tilt the contest, but Sahil’s crucial 10 forced the tie and set up the shoot‑off.

India’s victory continued its remarkable run in compound archery at the Asian Games. At Hangzhou 2023, Indian archers swept all five gold medals, including the mixed team title won by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Pravin Deotale. The latest success further cements India’s reputation as a powerhouse in the discipline.

(IANS)