Gold again! India beat China and match world record in Asian Games final

Chikitha Taniparthi, Prithika Pradeep, Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Reuters)

India retained the women’s compound archery gold medal at the Asian Games on Wednesday, producing a dominant performance against China and matching the world record score in the process.The Indian trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep defeated China 238-234 in the gold medal match at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park to claim the top spot on the podium.

Asian Games Full Coverage | Schedule | Medal TallyIndia equalled Korea’s world record score with the victory.China, represented by Wunier, Yue Wang and Fangyao Wei, had to settle for silver.The Indian team had earlier edged South Korea 234-233 in the semifinal to book its place in the title clash. The Korean trio of Park Jungyoon, Park Yerin and Kang Yeonseo went on to beat Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal match.

The gold also meant India successfully defended the women’s compound team title won at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.The semifinal against South Korea was closely fought from the start.India opened with 29 in the first three shots of End 1, with Chikitha and Jyothi hitting 10s while Prithika scored 9. South Korea, however, began with a perfect 30.The Indian trio responded immediately with a perfect 30 in the second half of End 1. South Korea’s Yerin Park scored a 9, leaving the two teams level at 59-59 at the end of the opening end.India eventually held its nerve to edge Korea 234-233 and advance to the final.The result capped another strong Asian Games campaign for India’s archers. At Hangzhou 2023, India enjoyed its most successful archery campaign at the Games, winning a record nine medals, including five gold, two silver and two bronze.