Indian Archery Squad Announced for Asian Games 2026 and World Cup Stages; Deepika Kumari, Atanu Das Picked Only for World Cups

The Archery Association of India (AAI) has finalised the Indian recurve squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and the next two stages of the Hyundai Archery World Cup, with the selection reflecting a clear balance between youth form and veteran experience.

Fresh off the national selection trials in Sonipat, the federation opted for a strategic split in selections, with experienced campaigners Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das included only for the World Cup stages in Antalya and Madrid, while the younger core has been trusted for the Asian Games campaign.

The move signals India's intent to build continuity with its emerging recurve talent while still relying on the experience of some of the country's most accomplished archers in key international events before the continental showpiece.

Youth Core Trusted for Asian Games Challenge

On the men's side, Dhiraj Bommadevara once again led the selection rankings after another strong trial performance. He will be joined by Neeraj and Yashdeep Bhoge in the squad for both the Asian Games and the World Cup stages.

However, veteran Olympian Atanu Das has been reserved exclusively for the World Cup circuit, a decision widely seen as a tactical call to maximise experience during the high-pressure international tour while allowing younger archers greater continuity for the Asian Games.

The women's recurve squad also highlighted India's growing faith in its next generation. Teen sensation Kumkum Anil Mohod topped the selection standings after her breakthrough performances earlier this season, including India's historic women's recurve team gold medal win against China at the Shanghai World Cup.

She will form the Asian Games trio alongside Kirti Sharma and Ankita Bhakat. Deepika Kumari, meanwhile, returns only for the World Cup stages, where her experience is expected to strengthen India's combinations against elite global opposition.

Compound Men's Omissions Become Major Talking Point

One of the biggest surprises from the selection trials came in the compound men's category, where Asian Games medallists Ojas Deotale and Abhishek Verma failed to make the final Indian squad despite their decorated international records.

Ojas had scripted history with a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, while Abhishek secured silver, making their omission one of the most discussed outcomes of the trials.

Their absence underlines the increasing depth and competition within Indian archery, where even established international performers are now facing intense battles for national team spots.

The current selection cycle has consequently opened doors for several fresh faces across categories, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian archery ahead of a packed international season.

Strategic Split Between Asian Games and World Cups

The selection pattern indicates a long-term strategy rather than a straightforward ranking-based pick.

By separating the Asian Games squad from the World Cup veterans, the federation appears keen to simultaneously achieve two objectives - preparing younger archers for major continental competition while ensuring India remains highly competitive at the World Cup stages through experienced names like Deepika and Atanu.

The World Cup stages in Antalya and Madrid will now act as crucial preparation platforms ahead of the Asian Games, especially for evaluating combinations and match temperament under international pressure.

The move also allows India to preserve veteran experience within the system without disrupting the momentum gained by younger archers through recent performances.

Women's Team Reflects India's Changing Recurve Landscape

The women's recurve setup perhaps best reflects the changing dynamics in Indian archery.

Kumkum Anil Mohod's rapid rise has become one of the biggest stories in Indian archery this year. The 16-year-old has quickly established herself among India's most reliable recurve archers after impressive performances on the global stage.

Alongside her, Ankita Bhakat continues to remain a stable presence in the setup, while Kirti Sharma's consistent scoring at the trials earned her a place in the Asian Games core.

Deepika Kumari's conditional inclusion, meanwhile, ensures India still retains one of the sport's most experienced names for key international events without placing the entire Asian Games campaign on veteran shoulders.

Road Ahead for India's Recurve Squad

With selections now finalised, the immediate focus shifts to World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya in June, followed by Stage 4 in Madrid in July.

These tournaments are expected to play a major role in shaping India's final preparations for the Asian Games, especially as the recurve teams continue to chase consistency against strong Asian rivals like South Korea and China.

India's recent performances, particularly the women's team success in Shanghai, have raised expectations ahead of the continental season, and the current squad composition suggests the federation is looking to combine continuity, youth confidence, and veteran stability in pursuit of medals.

Indian Recurve Squad for Asian Games 2026 & World Cup Stages