Asian Games 2026: How did India Men's team clinch Archery Gold despite early Setback?

India produced a stunning comeback to clinch gold in the men's compound team event at the Asian Games 2026, edging China 238-237 in a thrilling final at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Wednesday.

The Indian trio of Sahil Jadhav, Kushal Dalal and Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru kept their composure under pressure to overturn an early deficit and secure another gold medal for India in compound archery. But it was not a perfect start for India, who had to launch a comeback after a few early setbacks.

Asian Games 2026: How did India clinch Gold from Setback?

China made a near-perfect start, scoring 60 points from their opening six arrows, while India managed 58. That left the Indian team two points behind after the first end.

The gap remained unchanged after the second end, with China maintaining a perfect 120, while India reached 118. The Chinese team appeared to have dropped a point on one arrow, but an official check upgraded it to a 10, keeping China two points ahead.

India then began its fightback in the third end. The Indian archers produced an outstanding 60, while China dropped a point to score 59. India had reduced the deficit to just one point, trailing 178-179 heading into the final end.

The decisive fourth end delivered the drama. India opened with three consecutive 10s, maintaining its perfect run, while China registered an 8 with its opening arrow. Although China followed that with five 10s, India held its nerve to finish on 238, one point ahead of China's 237.

Sahil, Kushal and Ganesh therefore completed a remarkable turnaround, recovering from two points down after the opening two ends to claim the gold by the narrowest possible margin.

The victory also completed a golden hat-trick for India in compound archery at the Games. Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian women's compound team won gold, while Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav also secured mixed-team gold.

For Sahil, Kushal and Ganesh, the 238-237 victory capped a memorable campaign after they had defeated the UAE 235-215, Bhutan 235-232 and South Korea 236-229 on their route to the final.