Archer Kushal Dalal dedicates Asian Games 2026 gold to mother
Indian archer Kushal Dalal celebrates a sensational gold medal win in men's compound archery at the Asian Games, dedicating his victory to his mother.
In a moment of pure sporting triumph, Indian archer Kushal Dalal has expressed his immense joy after securing a sensational gold medal in the men's compound archery team event at the ongoing Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Following a high-octane final against China, Dalal shared that his victory is a tribute to his mother, whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of his athletic journey.
A nail-biting victory over China
The Indian men's compound archery squad displayed incredible composure to clinch the title in a cracker of a match. In a tense showdown, India managed to edge out China with a score of 238-237. This victory completes a remarkable clean sweep for India in the compound archery categories, following previous gold medals in the women's compound team and the mixed team compound events.
The performance was characterized by clinical precision, with several key contributors ensuring India's dominance:
- Sahil Jadhav: The standout performer of the final, achieving a flawless 100 per cent record by hitting nothing but 10s.
- Kushal Dalal: Played a pivotal role in maintaining the team's momentum.
- Ganesh Mani Ratnam: Delivered a fabulous performance to secure the gold.
"Hard work has finally paid off"
Reflecting on the victory, Dalal noted that the intense training sessions and passion for the sport had finally reached their peak. He emphasized that despite the magnitude of the stage, the team felt no overwhelming pressure.
"It feels really good. Just like any athlete would feel after winning a gold medal, it’s a wonderful feeling. All the hard work we put in over so many days, and the passion we had for this—that hard work has finally paid off," Dalal told ANI.
He attributed this mental calmness to the guidance of his seniors and a comprehensive support system. "There was not any such pressure because our seniors guided us really well. We also had our coaches, physios, and psychologists—the entire team supported us so well that we didn't feel any pressure anywhere," he added.
Adapting to the elements
While a break in the rain provided a better playing surface for the final, Dalal remained unfazed by the weather. Having arrived in Japan as early as September 12, the team had already acclimated to the unpredictable local conditions.
"We had been training in the rain as well because we arrived early... it was raining and windy as well, so we were used to it. Even if it had rained today, it wouldn't have made much difference; we would have adjusted according to the conditions," he explained.
A heartfelt tribute to family and supporters
When asked about the person behind his success, Dalal's thoughts immediately turned to his family. He dedicated the gold medal to his mother, citing her dedication to his career since the very beginning. He also extended his gratitude to the Archery Association of India (AAI), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and his sponsors, Reliance Foundation.
The archer also shared a touching detail about his final conversation with his parents on the morning of the championship. Rather than discussing the pressure of winning, they offered him the ultimate mental freedom.
"In the morning, my parents told me, 'Just go and play. Winning or losing doesn't matter to us. You just give your best, that is all that matters to us. More Asian Games and other tournaments will keep coming, but you just need to give your 100 per cent.' That was it."