India’s strong run in compound archery continued at the Asian Archery Championships 2025 in Bangkok, as the mixed team duo of Abhishek Verma and Deepsikha stormed into the final with a composed and consistent performance.
The experienced Verma and the rising Deepsikha defeated Kazakhstan 156–153 in the semifinals, setting up a gold medal clash against Bangladesh. The Indian pair have looked sharp all through the competition, combining Verma’s experience with Deepsikha’s calm presence under pressure. Their path to the final has been marked by control and precision traits that have defined India’s success in compound events over the past few years.
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In the Round of 16, the duo began their campaign with a clinical 158–144 win over the United Arab Emirates, showing near-perfect synchrony in their releases. They followed that with a strong 159–155 victory over Vietnam in the quarterfinals, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout. By the time they faced Kazakhstan in the semifinal, the Indians were brimming with confidence.
The semifinal was competitive, with the Kazakh pair matching India in the opening two ends. But Verma and Deepsikha held their nerve, finding the centre consistently in the closing stages. Their final total of 156 reflected composure under pressure an area where both have excelled individually this season. Kazakhstan, despite a spirited challenge, fell short at 153, handing India a deserved spot in the title match.
For Abhishek Verma, one of India’s most experienced compound archers, this is yet another chapter in a decorated international career. A multiple Asian champion and World Cup medallist, Verma continues to anchor India’s compound setup with his consistency and leadership. Deepsikha, on the other hand, has been one of India’s breakout names in 2025, showing poise in both team and individual events. Her growth adds welcome depth to India’s women’s compound roster, which already boasts the likes of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Aditi Swami.
The final against Bangladesh promises to be intriguing. The Bangladeshi duo have shown impressive form through the week, but India’s balance of experience and execution makes them favourites to claim the title. A win would further consolidate India’s dominance in compound archery across Asia, following their strong performances in previous continental editions and World Cup stages.
Meanwhile, in the recurve mixed team event, India’s campaign ended in the semifinals as Indian pair went down 0–6 to a formidable Chinese Taipei pair. The Indian duo started positively but couldn’t match the consistency of their opponents, who capitalized on every scoring opportunity. Despite the loss, it has been a promising outing for the young Indian pair. Earlier in the day, they began with a 6–2 win over Bahrain in the Round of 16, followed by a confident 5–1 victory against Bangladesh in the quarterfinals. Both matches showcased their growing chemistry and tactical awareness.
The semifinal, however, exposed the gap that still exists between India and Asia’s top recurve nations like Korea and Chinese Taipei in mixed team play. Nevertheless, Sanjay and Anshika will have a chance to end their campaign on a high when they face South Korea in the bronze medal match. A podium finish here would mark a significant result for the young pairing and boost India’s medal count at the continental meet. India’s overall showing in Bangkok so far underlines the country’s continued strength in compound disciplines and growing competitiveness in recurve. The national program’s focus on mixed team formats which are now central to major competitions like the Asian Games and World Championships is clearly paying dividends.
As the spotlight now shifts to the compound mixed team final, all eyes will be on Verma and Deepsikha to deliver India another continental title. If they replicate their calm execution and teamwork from earlier rounds, another gold could well be on its way to India’s tally.
Results Recap
Compound Mixed Team (India)
•R16: def 🇦🇪 158–144
•QF: def 🇻🇳 159–155
•SF: def 🇰🇿 156–153
•Final: vs 🇧🇩 (upcoming)
Recurve Mixed Team (India)
•R16: def 🇧🇭 6–2
•QF: def 🇧🇩 5–1
•SF: lost to 🇹🇼 0–6
•Bronze Medal Match: vs 🇰🇷 (upcoming)
India’s compound archers remain the team to beat in Asia and with another medal already secured, the quest for gold continues.
