The Indian archery contingent for the 2026 Asian Games has been finalized, with the selection committee naming a 12-member squad that blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. The team will represent the nation in Nagoya, Japan, where archery events are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Compound and Recurve Teams Announced
The squad comprises six men and six women, evenly split between the compound and recurve disciplines. In the men's compound section, the experienced Abhishek Verma will lead the charge alongside Ojas Deotale and Prathamesh Jawkar. The women's compound team features Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, and Aditi Swami, all of whom have consistently performed well on the international stage.
For the recurve category, the men's team includes Atanu Das, Pravin Jadhav, and Dhiraj Bommadevara. The women's recurve squad consists of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Bhajan Kaur. Deepika Kumari, a multiple-time World Cup gold medalist, brings invaluable experience to the lineup.
Selection Based on Trials and Recent Performance
The Archery Association of India (AAI) conducted rigorous selection trials in Sonipat, Haryana, earlier this month. Performance in these trials, combined with results from recent international competitions, determined the final roster. The selection committee emphasized the importance of form and consistency, especially given the high level of competition expected at the Asian Games.
India has a strong history in archery at the Asian Games, having won multiple medals in previous editions. The country's best-ever performance came in 2018 when Indian archers bagged three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. The 2026 squad aims to surpass that tally, with particular focus on team events where India has traditionally excelled.
Coaching and Support Staff
The team will be accompanied by a dedicated support staff, including head coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja for the recurve team and Sergio Pagni for the compound team. Physiotherapists and mental conditioning experts will also travel with the squad to ensure peak performance.
Preparations for the Asian Games are already underway, with the archers scheduled to participate in several international tournaments over the next year. The AAI has planned exposure trips to Korea and the United States to help the athletes acclimatize to different conditions and face top-tier opponents.
Road to Nagoya
The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya, Japan, marking the third time the country has hosted the event. Archery competitions will take place at the Nagoya Dome, a state-of-the-art facility. The Indian archers are expected to face stiff competition from traditional powerhouses like South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and China.
With a balanced mix of youth and experience, the Indian archery squad is optimistic about its medal prospects. The team will look to build on its recent successes, including a strong showing at the World Archery Championships, where Indian archers won multiple medals in 2025.
