Asian Games 2026: Dhiraj Bommadevara, Chikitha Taniparthi Lead India’s Record-Breaking Archery Charge In Qualification

Okazaki City: India's archery team showcased a record-breaking performance at the Asian Games, with Dhiraj Bommadevara and Chikitha Taniparthi leading the charge in the men's recurve and women's compound individual qualifications. Dhiraj's remarkable 698-point score set a new Asian Games record and secured India's second place in the men's recurve team and recurve mixed team seedings.

Chikitha's impressive 705 points propelled India to second place in the women's compound team event. Both athletes' strong performances also helped India secure top spots in the compound mixed team qualification. India, the defending champions in all five compound events, had previously won all five gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.

Korea's Kim Je Deok finished second in the men's recurve individual qualification with 693 points, while China's Taipei Chin-Hun Tang claimed third with 692 points. Japan's Woo Seok, the 2023 Paris Olympics bronze medallist, led their head-to-head record against Dhiraj at 2-1. India's archery team is set to begin their campaign against Mongolia in the 64-archer individual elimination draw on Sunday.