Indian Archery Squad for Asian Games 2026: Full Team List, Key Players and Medal Chances
India’s Archery Squad for Asian Games 2026 Announced: Full Team, Key Highlights and Medal Chances
India has officially announced its archery squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, with several surprising selections and exclusions grabbing attention ahead of the continental event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Indian archery team heads into the Asian Games after a historic campaign in Hangzhou, where the country won nine medals including five gold medals. With a strong mix of experienced stars and emerging youngsters, expectations will once again be high from the Indian contingent.
Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das Miss Out
One of the biggest talking points from the selection trials was the absence of veteran Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das. Both archers narrowly missed qualification after finishing fourth in their respective trials at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Sonipat.
Deepika Kumari, one of India’s most decorated archers and a four-time Olympian, recently helped India secure gold at the Archery World Cup in Shanghai. However, the intense competition in domestic trials once again highlighted the growing depth in Indian archery.
Former world champion Ojas Pravin Deotale also failed to make the final squad after finishing fifth in the compound men’s category.
India Archery Squad for Asian Games 2026
Recurve Men
- Dhiraj Bommadevara
- Neeraj Chauhan
- Yashdeep Bhoge
Recurve Women
- Kirti Sharma
- Kumkum Anil Mohod
- Ankita Bhakat
Compound Men
- Sahil Jadhav
- Kushal Dalal
- Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru
Compound Women
- Jyothi Surekha Vennam
- Chikitha Taniparthi
- Prithika Pradeep
Dhiraj Bommadevara and Jyothi Surekha Vennam Lead Medal Hopes
India’s medal ambitions in archery will largely depend on the performances of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Jyothi Surekha Vennam.
Dhiraj has rapidly emerged as one of India’s brightest recurve archers with consistent performances on the international stage. His strong showing in the trials helped him secure a place as one of the leading names in the recurve men’s team.
Meanwhile, Jyothi Surekha Vennam remains India’s biggest compound archery star. The world No. 3 has consistently delivered medals for India in World Cups and Asian competitions and will once again be among the favourites in the compound events.
Young Indian Archers Get Big Opportunity
The Asian Games 2026 squad reflects a transition phase in Indian archery, with several young names earning their breakthrough opportunities.
Archers like Kirti Sharma, Kumkum Anil Mohod, and Yashdeep Bhoge impressed selectors with strong domestic and international performances. Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Mohod were also part of India’s successful campaign at the Archery World Cup in Shanghai earlier this season.
India’s compound teams are also considered among the strongest in Asia, especially after their dominant display in the previous Asian Games.
India Targets Another Historic Archery Campaign
After its record-breaking performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games, India will be aiming for another successful campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
Before the Asian Games begin, the selected Indian archers will also participate in Archery World Cup Stages 3 and 4 in Turkey and Spain. These events are expected to play a crucial role in preparation and team combinations ahead of the continental competition.
While the absence of established stars like Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das may surprise fans, the newly selected squad now has the opportunity to build its own legacy and continue India’s rise as one of Asia’s strongest archery nations.