Asian Games 2026: India Edge Thailand 156-155 in Archery Thriller
Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav secure a 156-155 victory over Thailand to reach the Asian Games 2026 compound mixed team final.
In a heart-stopping encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Indian archers Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav secured a narrow victory over Thailand to qualify for the compound mixed team final at the Asian Games 2026. The duo displayed immense composure to win the semifinal by a single point, finishing with a score of 156-155.
A Dominant Start for India
India seized control of the match from the very first arrow. Both Chikitha and Sahil hit perfect 10s in their opening shots, setting a high standard for the competition. Thailand struggled to match this momentum early on; after a review, Kanoknapus Kaewchomphu was assigned a 9, while Peerawat Rattanapongkiat managed an 8. This allowed India to close the first end with a near-perfect score of 39/40, establishing an early 39-37 lead.
As the match progressed into the second end, the tension mounted. While Thailand's Rattanapongkiat found his rhythm with a 10, the Indian pair responded with precision, extending their advantage to 59-56.
The Battle of Nerves
The semifinal turned into a see-saw battle as Thailand refused to back down. In the third end, Rattanapongkiat began hitting consecutive 10s, putting significant pressure on the Indian side. Despite the Thai resurgence, India managed to hold a slim 77-75 lead midway through the contest.
The intensity reached a fever pitch in the later stages:
- Fourth End: Both Thai archers hit 10s, but Chikitha and Sahil matched them shot-for-shot to maintain a two-point cushion (97-95).
- Third End Transition: Thailand produced a perfect end with two 10s, but India responded with clinical accuracy to lead 117-115.
Dramatic Final End Decides Gold Medal Path
The final end provided perhaps the most dramatic moment of the tournament. Thailand's archers hit back-to-back 10s to close the gap. When Chikitha scored a 9, India's lead dwindled to just one point. However, Sahil Jadhav stepped up to deliver a crucial 10, keeping India ahead at 136-135.
With Thailand finishing their final two arrows with perfect 10s, they reached a total of 155. The math was simple but the pressure was immense: India required at least 20 points from their final two arrows to clinch the win. Proving their mettle under the highest stakes, both Chikitha and Sahil hit 10s to seal the 156-155 victory.
This hard-fought win ensures that India will compete for the gold in the compound mixed team final at the Asian Games 2026.