‘India’s archers have shown Asia what they are capable of’: Virendra Sachdeva after historic Nagoya campaign

NEW DELHI: Indian archery returned from the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with its richest haul yet, winning nine medals — five gold, two silver and two bronze — in a campaign that underlined the country’s emergence as a major force in the sport.

The performance was marked not just by the dominance of India’s compound archers but also by historic breakthroughs in recurve, traditionally Korea’s stronghold. India swept all three compound team golds — men’s, women’s and mixed — for the second successive Asian Games, while the women’s compound team equalled the world record in the final.

The mixed compound pair also secured India’s quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where compound archery is set to make its Olympic debut.

But it was in recurve that India arguably made its biggest statement. The women’s team ended Korea’s seven-edition winning streak in the Asian Games to claim India’s first-ever gold in the event. The mixed recurve pair won India’s maiden medal in the discipline, while the men’s team followed up its previous success with a second consecutive silver.

The campaign was capped by a historic individual recurve gold from a 17-year-old Indian archer, whose composure under pressure also earned India an Olympic berth.

“Yet the defining story of these Games was written in recurve, a discipline long dominated by Korea,” Archery Association of India (AAI) secretary general Virendra Sachdeva said. “Our women’s recurve team ended Korea’s run of seven successive Asian Games titles to claim India’s first-ever gold in the event. Our mixed recurve pair won India’s first medal in that event, and our men’s recurve team earned a second consecutive silver.”

Sachdeva said the performance was the culmination of years of investment rather than a one-off success.

“These results weren’t a day’s success, but are the fruit of nearly fifteen years of sustained, collective effort: world-class infrastructure, quality equipment, international coaching expertise, sports science and regular global exposure,” he said.

India’s archers also had to contend with difficult conditions in Nagoya, including long commutes, testing winds and heavy rain. Sachdeva said their ability to maintain their composure amid the challenges was a reflection of the team’s character.

“Their poise through it all speaks volumes about their character,” he said.

The rise of the women’s contingent was another defining feature of India’s campaign. From compound to recurve, the women delivered medals when it mattered most, adding another dimension to an already historic performance.

“It is equally heartening that our women led from the front. From recurve to compound, they delivered whenever it mattered most, and they will inspire countless young girls across India to pick up a bow,” Sachdeva said.

The secretary general also credited the coaches, support staff and families who have been part of the long-term development of Indian archery.

“There were times when the podium felt within reach yet just beyond our grasp, but the faith of our coaches, support staff and families never wavered,” he said.

Sachdeva described the Nagoya campaign as a landmark even by the standards of his experience in sports administration, recalling the attention the team received from the government during the Games.

“Having been with the sports administration for a while now, I have witnessed many campaigns, but Nagoya was a first even for me,” he said. “While I was with the team, the Hon’ble Union Sports Minister personally called not once but twice to ask after our athletes, their preparation and their well-being.”

For Sachdeva, however, the nine medals represent more than a successful Asian Games campaign. They are evidence of a new generation of Indian archers increasingly comfortable competing against the continent’s best.

“When a nation honours its athletes, it begins to believe in them. Where there is belief, champions follow,” he said. “The medals of Aichi-Nagoya, won by young Indians who refused to be intimidated, are the clearest testament to this new sporting India.”

With compound archery headed towards its Olympic debut and India having secured an individual Olympic berth through its teenage recurve champion, the Nagoya campaign has also provided a glimpse of what could lie ahead.

“As for our archers, they have shown Asia what they are capable of. They are ready for the Olympics, and the world will soon take note,” Sachdeva said.