Less than a fortnight ago, Naorem Roshibina Devi was preparing to watch the Asian Games on television. Having lost in the wushu trials for the quadrennial event, the two-time medallist had come to terms with missing out on a third foray.

India’s archers will begin their Asian Games campaign with a blend of proven form, youthful promise and a clear target to better their nine-medal haul from Hangzhou, when competition gets underway at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square, here on Saturday.

Leading the charge will be Dhiraj Bommadevara, who arrives in Japan fresh from a landmark World Cup Final triumph in Saltillo last week, becoming the first Indian male recurve archer to win the season-ending title.

The 25-year-old’s breakthrough comes after a strong run that also included his maiden World Cup gold in Antalya and the 2025 Asian Archery Championships title.

- PTI

India’s wait for a shooting gold from the Aichi General Shooting Range finally ended on the sixth day of the competition. Suruchi Phogat and Kamaljeet combined to not only win the 10m air pistol mixed team event but also set a new Asian Games record in the process.