“Conditions Will Test Everyone”: Dola Banerjee Flags Weather Challenge for India’s Archers at Asian Games 2026

New Delhi, September 20: The Indian archery contingent could have more than its opponents to contend with when it begins its Asian Games campaign at the Okazaki Central Multipurpose Square. As India looks to build on its impressive medal haul from Hangzhou, unpredictable weather and persistent rain could add another layer of difficulty for the archers, with tropical storms linked to Cyclone Dujuan approaching the Japanese mainland.

India will field a 12-member contingent across the compound and recurve disciplines, combining established names such as Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat with a group of archers making their Asian Games debuts.

Former world champion Dola Banerjee, who understands the demands of competing outdoors in difficult conditions, believes the Indian team has the quality to improve on its previous Asian Games medal tally. However, she also highlighted the weather, particularly rain and wind, as a factor that could test the archers.

Speaking exclusively to myKhel, Banerjee discussed the challenges India could face in Japan, the growing strength of its compound archers and the responsibility that senior campaigners will have in guiding the younger members of the contingent.

Drizzling Can Be An Issue For Compound Archers

In the aftermath of the cyclone, the former Indian archer believes that lighter rain/drizzling could affect the compound archers largely.

"Rain is continuing there. Our archery is an outdoor game, so that difficulty will be faced by the players. When the rain is very heavy, the tournament will be stopped, but otherwise the tournament will continue," Banerjee said.

The former archer pointed to wind as the bigger concern, although she explained that continuous and manageable conditions would not necessarily have a major impact on scores.

For compound archers, however, even drizzle can become problematic because of the equipment involved.

"The drizzling is the main problem that will be faced by the compound section because they have a lens and peep sight. Continuing rain is difficult for compound," she explained.

Recurve archers can also be affected by rain, particularly when the intensity keeps changing. Banerjee said a consistent rhythm of rain is easier for an archer to adjust to, whereas fluctuating conditions can make it difficult to determine when changes to the sight are required.

"If sometimes strong and sometimes heavy rain comes, sometimes drizzling, then the sight position varies. That is difficult to understand: what time to change the sight," she said.

The conditions, however, would affect all competitors equally, meaning India's archers would need to adapt quickly rather than view the weather as an excuse.

Dhiraj, Jyothi & Ankita Will Have To Shoulder Responsibilities

The former Indian archer expects India to improve on its previous Asian Games medal tally, with the country's compound archers once again expected to make a significant contribution.

At Hangzhou, India won nine archery medals, including five gold, two silver and two bronze. Banerjee believes the current contingent has the potential to go beyond that tally.

"I think the medal number will be increased because Dhiraj is also in form. He just won the gold medal in the World Cup Final. Ankita is also there, so maybe the individual medal will be increased from the recurve side," she said.

Banerjee identified Dhiraj's recent World Cup Final triumph as an important source of confidence heading into the Asian Games. His victory also came 19 years after Banerjee herself won the World Cup Final in 2007.

She was particularly impressed by Dhiraj's ability to produce perfect 10s when the pressure was at its highest.

"I watched that match and every time he required a 10, he shot 10. In the tie-breaker also, he shot the first arrow and it was a 10," Banerjee recalled.

For the recurve section, Dhiraj and Ankita are expected to play important leadership roles, while Jyothi brings considerable experience to the women's compound team. Banerjee believes their experience of major international competitions can help the younger archers deal with the pressure of an Asian Games environment.

"Jyothi is a very experienced player. She has won the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, every big event. She has the experience of how to tackle the matches and how to guide the junior players," Banerjee said.

Recurve Faces Tougher Battle Against Korea

While India has established itself as a major force in compound archery, Dola madam expects a considerably tougher challenge in recurve.

South Korea has traditionally been one of the strongest nations in the discipline, while China and Chinese Taipei also possess strong recurve programmes.

"South Korea is strong in the recurve section," Banerjee said, adding that India's compound archers have already reached the highest level globally.

She believes Dhiraj's recent World Cup Final success and Ankita's experience, including her appearance in the mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, have strengthened India's prospects in recurve.

Asian Games Debut Won't Necessarily Weigh on Compound Men

India's compound men's team will enter the Asian Games without the benefit of an experienced campaigner who has previously competed at the event. The entire group will be making its Asian Games debut.

Banerjee, however, does not believe that should necessarily become a disadvantage.

"They have already experienced other tournaments. This is not their first international tournament. They have debuted at the Asian Games, but it is not their first international event," she said.

The young archers have already competed and won medals at World Cup, Asian and national-level competitions. The Asian Games, though, will bring a different level of pressure and expectation. Banerjee believes that is something they will gradually overcome once competition begins.