Top archers like Deepika Kumari failed to find a place in the national team for the 2026 Asian Games. She finished fourth in the women’s recurve event during selection trials held in Sonipat.

A new look Indian archery team will compete at the Japan Asian Games starting September 19. After final selection trials for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held between May 15 to 18 at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Complex in Sonipat, Haryana, the national team as per ranking was announced. Top three in recurve and compound were selected.

Majority of experienced archers, including three-time Olympian, Deepika Kumar, failed to find a place in the national team. She eventually finished fourth.

Three archers were tried for third place with 10.75 points in the women’s recurve trials, including Deepika Kumari and Sangeeta. But in the tie-break Anikta moved to third spot, Deepika finished fourth and Sangeeta fifth. Selection trials were also held in compound archery.

Indian team for 2026 Asian Games: Recurve archery: Men: Bommadevara Dhiraj (SSCB) 15.5 points, Neeraj Chauhan (AIPSCB) 12.25 points, Yashdeep Bhoge (Maharashtra) 11 third. Women: Kriti Sharma (Haryana) 13.5 points, Kumkum Anil Mohod (Maharashtra) 12 points, Ankita Bhakat (Jharkhand) 10.75 points. Compound archery: Women: Jyothi Surekha Vennam (Andhra Pradesh) 15.5 points, Taniparthi Chikitha (Telangana), Prithika Pradeep (Maharashtra) 11.75 points, Men: Sahil Rajesh Jadav (RSPB) 15.5 points, Kushal Dalal (Haryana) 12.5 points, Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam (Andhra Pradesh) 10.75 points.

EOM