India’s women’s compound archery team struck gold at the Asian Games on Wednesday, beating China 238-234 in the final.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep held their nerve against the hosts’ rivals to retain the title India won at the last edition.

Their score of 238 equalled South Korea’s world record set in 2014, making the triumph even more special.

The trio dominated the final with consistent shooting, refusing to let China back into the contest at any stage. Their composure in the closing ends sealed a famous win.

India had swept all five compound golds at Hangzhou 2023, and this win extends that continental dominance into a new Games cycle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the win, noting that equalling the world record made the gold extra special.

Why it matters: the victory underlines India’s rise as a compound archery powerhouse ahead of the discipline’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.