Aichi-Nagoya, 30 September (H.S.): Indian archers Chikita Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav clinched the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the Asian Games 2026.

The Indian pair defeated South Korea in a thrilling final via a shootout on Wednesday to claim the title. With the victory, India also secured a quota place in the compound mixed team event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The final ended in a 157-157 draw after the regulation arrows, forcing the contest into a shootout. In the decisive phase, Chikita and South Korea's Park both scored 10s, while Sahil also struck a 10. South Korea's Choi managed a 9, handing India the victory.

The Indian pair produced an impressive performance from the outset. Chikita and Sahil opened the final with four consecutive 10s to take the first stage 40-39. India maintained its momentum in the second stage, again recording four successive 10s to establish an 80-78 lead at the halfway mark.

In the next stage, India extended its advantage to 100-98. However, South Korea mounted a comeback after Chikita and Sahil each recorded a 9. With the final arrows remaining, India needed 20 points to secure victory. Chikita scored a 9, but Sahil held his nerve under pressure and delivered a precise 10 with the final arrow, levelling the scores and sending the contest into a shootout.

India remained composed in the shootout, prevailing 10-9 to secure the gold medal. The victory marked India's eighth gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.

Earlier, the Indian women's compound team had also won gold. The trio of Prithika Pradeep, Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Chikita Taniparthi defeated China 238-234 in the final to finish on top.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar