Asian Games 2026: Men’s team defends title as Indian compound archers complete hat-trick of golds

Gold medallists India's Kushal Dalal, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru celebrate on the podium after winning the Compound Men's Team on September 30, 2026 | Photo Credit: Reuters The Indian men’s team scripted a sensational comeback to defeat China in the final, helping the country’s compound archers complete a hat-trick of gold medals at the Asian Games after the mixed team and women also finished on top.The Indian team of Kushal Dalal, Sahil Jadhav and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru was two points down but showed nerves of steel to make a thrilling comeback in the end to edge out China 238-237 in a dramatic final.Keep track | Asian Games 2026 LIVE: India edges past China 238-237 for third straight compound archery goldThe Chinese team comprised Jiahao Liao, Jinyi Liu and Jingyu Shi.In the semifinals, India outclassed Korea, comprising Choi Eun Gyu, Choi Yonghee and Kim Jongho, 236-229 to enter the summit clash.Earlier, India’s compound mixed team of Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav claimed gold and secured a 2028 Olympic quota place by beating Korea in a tense shoot-off, while the women’s team also finished on top.India thus successfully retained the three titles that it had won at the previous edition of the Games in Hangzhou.In the final, India fell 58-60 behind after the opening end following two 9s in the third and fifth shot. They, however, produced six perfect 10s in the next end to trail 118-120 by the second end.India reduced the margin to one point at 178-179 by the third end. China’s Jiahao Liao then stumbled with an 8, while India produced a flawless show in the final six shots to script a sensational win. Published - September 30, 2026 01:08 pm IST