"Main thought was to do something for the country": Sahil Jadhav after double archery gold
Indian archer Sahil Jadhav clinches double gold at the Asian Games 2026, securing a historic Olympic quota for India.
Indian archer Sahil Jadhav has etched his name into sporting history at the Asian Games 2026 by securing two magnificent gold medals. In a display of sheer precision and mental fortitude at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Jadhav led the Indian men's compound archery team to victory and clinched gold in the mixed team event, ensuring a historic milestone for Indian archery.
A Thrilling Battle Against China
The men's compound archery final was nothing short of a spectacle. In a high-stakes "cracker of a title clash," India faced off against powerhouse China. The Indian side managed to edge out their rivals with a score of 238-237, marking a perfect run for the Indian compound archers, who have secured three out of three possible gold medals so far in the tournament.
Sahil Jadhav emerged as the undisputed hero of the final. His performance was nothing short of flawless, as he maintained a 100 per cent record of hitting 10s. He was ably supported by teammates Kushal Dalal and Ganesh Mani Ratnam, whose collective efforts ensured India stayed ahead in the intense battle.
Historic Olympic Quota Secured
Beyond the individual and team glory, the mixed team event brought a monumental achievement for the nation. Partnering with Chikitha Taniparthi, Sahil Jadhav secured the gold medal, which also guarantees India a historic 2028 Olympics quota in this category. This achievement marks a significant leap forward for the sport in India.
"Focus on the Process, Not the Pressure"
Reflecting on his monumental success, Sahil Jadhav expressed immense joy in delivering for his nation. He noted that his mindset was driven by a desire to honor his country and his personal journey rather than succumbing to the weight of expectation.
"I am very happy because this tournament is a very big event. Giving India two gold medals and making my parents, coaches, support staff, and sponsors proud—it's like... this was my job, and I feel really great that I was able to deliver on it," Sahil said.
He attributed his calm demeanor to rigorous training and the support of his technical team. According to Jadhav, the mental preparation was key:
- Process-Driven Approach: The team focused on executing each step of their training rather than the outcome.
- Psychological Support: Coaches and psychologists played a vital role in reassuring the athletes to trust their instincts.
- Mental Readiness: Intense practice sessions helped eliminate the feeling of pressure during the actual competition.
A Journey Defined by Struggle
Jadhav's path to the podium was not an easy one. Having transitioned to archery later in life, he faced a long wait for his first major breakthrough at the national level. He reflected that the hardships he endured were essential to his current success.
"If those struggles weren't there, I probably would not have understood the true value of this medal," he remarked, adding that the journey made him appreciate the hard work required to reach the pinnacle of Asian sports. He dedicated his triumph to his parents, coaches, sponsors, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Olympic Gold Quest.