'Our effort paid off': Indian archers celebrate historic Asian Games campaign
Kumkum Mohod and the Indian archery team celebrate a historic haul of nine medals at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
The Indian archery contingent returned home to a hero's welcome following a monumental performance at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. After a campaign defined by precision and grit, the athletes were greeted with grand celebrations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, marking one of the most successful chapters in the nation's archery history.
Kumkum Mohod: The Triple Medalist Star
Leading the charge was the young recurve sensation Kumkum Anil Mohod, who emerged as a standout performer by securing three medals. Her incredible run included an individual gold, a women’s team gold, and a silver in the mixed team event.
Reflecting on her journey, Kumkum emphasized that her success was a collective triumph. "It feels very good; it is the hard work of the whole team. Our effort paid off," she stated. The archer, who began her journey in 2018, noted that her dedication never wavered, even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. She dedicated her hard-earned medals to her teammates, her parents, and her coach.
Chauhan Sets Sights on Olympic Gold
The drama intensified in the men's individual recurve event, where an all-Indian showdown took place. Neeraj Chauhan managed to edge out compatriot Dhiraj Bommadevara to clinch the bronze medal. For Chauhan, the podium finish is merely a stepping stone.
"I cannot put into words the joy I felt; bringing glory to the Indian Tricolour was a wonderful feeling," Chauhan shared. Looking ahead, he has set his sights on the highest peak of the sport: "Winning Olympic gold is my next target. It requires double the effort. I dedicate this medal to India."
Sahil Jadhav’s Magnificent Gold Run
In the compound archery category, Sahil Jadhav delivered a masterclass, securing gold medals in both the men's compound event and the mixed team event. The athlete described the experience of standing atop the podium at the Asian Games as something truly unique.
"We are delighted with the performance; the entire team is overjoyed. The experience was truly magnificent; it was an indescribable feeling—something that simply cannot be replicated," Jadhav remarked, noting the immense joy the team felt during their celebrations.
A Record-Breaking Campaign
The 2026 Asian Games will be remembered as the tournament where Indian archery truly arrived as a global powerhouse. The team's statistics tell a story of absolute dominance:
- Total Medals: 9 medals from 10 events.
- Gold Medals: 5
- Silver Medals: 2
- Bronze Medals: 2
- Podium Finishes: 9
By matching the record haul from the 2023 Hangzhou Games, the archery squad has officially become India’s most successful discipline in terms of gold medals at the Games, cementing their legacy on the international stage.