"You make all the girls so proud": Nita Ambani's message to archer Chikitha
Nita Ambani sends a powerful message to archer Chikitha Taniparthi after her historic double gold performance at the Asian Games 2026.
Reliance Foundation founder and chairperson Nita Ambani has showered praise on archer Chikitha Taniparthi following a breathtaking display of skill at the Asian Games 2026. After the young athlete secured two historic gold medals in compound archery, Ambani sent a heartfelt video message celebrating her achievement and her impact on the nation.
"You make all girls so proud. You are going to be an inspiration for so many girls of our country and around the world," Ambani stated, highlighting the transformative power of Chikitha's success.
A historic double gold performance
Chikitha's campaign in Aichi-Nagoya was nothing short of legendary. Her first major triumph came in the women's compound archery team event. Alongside teammates Jyothi Vennam and Prithika Pradeep, Chikitha helped India secure a gold medal by defeating China with a score of 238-234. Remarkably, the trio matched the world record during their performance to clinch the top spot on the podium.
The momentum continued in the mixed team event. Chikitha, paired with Sahil Jadhav, delivered a masterclass in precision to defeat South Korea in the gold medal match. This victory was not just about the medal; it officially secured a historic qualification slot for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 in compound archery.
Archery's stellar campaign in Japan
The Indian archery contingent enjoyed one of its most successful outings to date. The team's haul included:
- 5 Gold Medals
- 2 Silver Medals
- 2 Bronze Medals
This performance equals India's best-ever showing in archery, matching the previous record set during the 2022 Hangzhou games.
A golden day for Team India
Chikitha's success was part of a massive, multi-sport surge for India on Saturday. The nation enjoyed a spectacular medal-winning day, collecting golds across several disciplines including:
- Men’s Hockey
- T20 Cricket
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Archery
The men's hockey team provided a grand finale to the day's festivities. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice, the team dismantled Malaysia with a 5-1 victory. Goals from Jugraj Singh, Hardik Singh, and Shilanand Lakra ensured India successfully defended their title and secured their own path to the 2028 Olympics.
By the end of the games, India's overall tally stood at 85 medals, consisting of 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze. This marks India's second-best Asian Games campaign in history, following the landmark 2022 edition.