India successfully defended its women’s compound team archery gold medal at the Asian Games, defeating China 238-234 at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Wednesday.
The Indian trio of Chikitha Taniparthi, Prithika Pradeep and Jyothi Surekha Vennam also equalled the world-record score of 238, originally set by South Korea at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.
The victory marked India’s seventh gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games and took its overall medal tally to 53, comprising seven gold, 21 silver and 25 bronze medals.
India reached the final after edging past South Korea in the semifinal before producing a composed performance against China.
India began the final with a 30-28 advantage and extended its lead to three points in the second end.
Despite Chikitha recording a nine in the first rotation, Prithika and Jyothi maintained their accuracy, consistently finding the 10-ring.
At the start of the second end, both teams recorded a nine and two 10s. India then responded with three consecutive 10s, moving ahead 119-116.
China continued to apply pressure in the third end, opening with three 10s. India maintained its advantage, reaching 178-175 heading into the final end.
China started the final end with two 9s and a 10, while India responded with three 10s.
China then hit three 10s in its final rotation, keeping the contest close. India, however, held its composure and completed a perfect final rotation with three 10s to secure the 238-234 victory.
The Indian team’s score of 238 also equalled the world record set at the 2014 Asian Games.
India won a record nine archery medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, including five gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Compound archers won all five gold medals available at that edition, while India’s recurve teams contributed one silver and one bronze.
