NEW DELHI, OCT 1: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya commended Indian athletes following an exceptionally successful outing at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where the national contingent added key victories in archery and shooting events. The impressive campaign brought India’s overall medal tally to 58, comprising 10 gold, 21 silver, and 27 bronze medals.
Indian archers delivered a standout performance by securing gold medals across the men’s team, women’s team, and mixed team compound archery events. In a notable display of skill, the women’s compound archery trio comprising Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi equalled the world record. The men’s compound team featuring Sahil Jadhav, Kushal Dalal, and Ganesh Mani Ratnam clinched gold after edging out China with a narrow 238-237 victory.
In shooting, Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai achieved a historic milestone by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in the mixed team trap event. The duo recorded a score of 34, surpassing the previous Asian Games record of 30 held by Qatar, who took silver with 32 points while China took bronze. The victory added to Dhanda’s successful campaign, which already included an individual trap gold and a team trap silver.
In combat sports, boxers Priya Ghangas and Kapil Pokharya added two bronze medals to the national count. Mandaviya maintained that the performances reflect immense dedication and stated that the entire country takes pride in the achievements of the contingent.
