"I immediately teared up": Prithika Pradeep's father on daughter's Asian Games gold
Pradeep Simon shares an emotional reaction to daughter Prithika Pradeep winning gold in the women's compound archery team event at the Asian Games 2026.
In a moment of pure sporting glory, Prithika Pradeep secured a historic gold medal for India in the women's compound archery team event at the Asian Games 2026. As the arrows found their mark, her father, Pradeep Simon, found himself overwhelmed by a wave of emotion while watching the triumph from a distance.
An emotional victory from Mumbai
Speaking about the intense moment, Pradeep Simon revealed that he was watching the high-stakes match alone in Mumbai. The realization that his daughter was on the verge of greatness brought him to tears.
"I work in Mumbai, so I was watching the match alone. When I realised she was about to win gold—given her consistent performance, it was clear she would—the first thing that crossed my mind was the hard work she and her coach had put in over the last 7–8 years," Pradeep told ANI. "And, of course, the result—winning gold for the country. I immediately teared up."
For Pradeep, the victory was not just about the medal, but about the culmination of years of relentless dedication and the unwavering passion Prithika has shown for archery.
The journey behind the gold
Reaching the podium at the Asian Games is a feat that requires immense mental and physical fortitude. Pradeep noted that while the path was difficult, Prithika's commitment never faltered. He also highlighted the crucial role played by her coach in navigating the challenges of professional archery.
Reflecting on their role as parents, Pradeep shared that he and his wife aimed to be a steady support system rather than focusing solely on competitive success. "Our role was simply to be her support system. For my wife and me, the priority was simply that the sport would help her become a better person; we could see that happening," he remarked.
He added that the pride of winning for the nation offers a level of satisfaction that far exceeds any professional or financial milestone.
Clinical performance to defeat China
The Indian trio, consisting of Prithika Pradeep, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Chikitha Taniparthi, displayed exceptional precision during the title clash. The Indian team maintained control from the very first round, eventually defeating China with a score of 238-234.
The victory was significant for several reasons:
- Jyothi Surekha Vennam secured her fourth Asian Games gold medal.
- Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep earned their first Asiad gold on their much-anticipated debuts.
- The win added India's seventh gold medal to their tally at the 2026 Games.
With this performance, India's medal tally has risen to 53, comprising 21 silver and 25 bronze medals, marking a stellar campaign for the nation on the international stage.