•Surekha, 29, topped the compound women’s selection trials for the Asian Games 2026 held in Sonipat, Haryana, despite tough weather and a packed schedule.
•She secured 93 career medals including five from previous Asian Games and aims to add to that count in Japan.
•High-profile archers Atanu Das, Ojas Pravin Deotale, and Deepika Kumari failed to qualify for the Asian Games squad.
•Surekha will lead a young Indian compound women’s team featuring 21-year-old Chikitha Taniparthi and 17-year-old Prithika Pradeep at the Asian Games.
•She won gold in the women’s team event at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Mexico but exited in the quarterfinals in Shanghai.
•Her immediate focus is on Archery World Cup Stages 3 (Antalya) and 4 (Madrid) before the Asian Games.
•Surekha downplayed individual celebrations, stating that the family would celebrate only after winning the Asian Games.
Veteran compound archer Surekha has secured her place in India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, following a strong performance at the national selection trials held at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Sonipat, Haryana. The 29-year-old, known for her consistency and medal-winning record, finished at the top of the trials, outperforming several high-profile competitors including Atanu Das, Ojas Pravin Deotale, and Deepika Kumari, who did not qualify. Surekha now carries 93 career medals, including five from the Asian Games, and is determined to add to that tally in Japan.
Speaking to *The Hindu*, Surekha reflected on the challenges of preparing for the trials amid difficult conditions. The selection event took place shortly after the conclusion of Stage 2 of the Archery World Cup in Mexico, where she had won gold in the women’s team event. However, a demanding schedule and extreme heat during the trials made preparation tough. “There was a lot of heat. There wasn’t much wind initially, but by the round-robin stage, which is very important, it became very windy,” she said. Despite the tough conditions, Surekha managed to qualify successfully.
One of the highlights of Surekha’s journey this year has been her strong start to the Archery World Cup. She began with a gold medal in the women’s team event in Mexico but faced disappointment in Shanghai, where she exited in the quarterfinals. Her focus now shifts to Stages 3 and 4 of the World Cup, scheduled to be held in Antalya and Madrid respectively. These events will be crucial in fine-tuning her form ahead of the Asian Games.
Adding to her responsibilities, Surekha will also be guiding a young compound women’s team at the Asian Games. The team includes 21-year-old Chikitha Taniparthi and 17-year-old Prithika Pradeep, both promising talents in Indian archery. Surekha expressed excitement about mentoring the next generation of archers, saying, “I’m just two months away from turning 30. Even though I was happy to qualify, I was a little surprised too because some big names missed out, not just in compound women, but overall. But what’s done is done. The team has been selected, and now we have to work together and make sure things go well for us.”
Surekha’s selection has drawn attention not only for her individual performance but also for the absence of other top-ranked archers. Her achievement underscores her resilience and dedication to the sport. Back in her hometown of Vijayawada, celebrations were notably subdued, with Surekha noting that her family remained calm. “Everything was normal at home. Maybe we’ll celebrate after winning the Asian Games,” she said with a laugh, emphasizing the team’s collective goal over individual milestones.
As the Asian Games approach, Surekha’s journey reflects both personal determination and a commitment to nurturing young talent in Indian archery. Her participation, along with the fresh energy of her young teammates, positions India strongly in the compound women’s category. With the World Cup stages serving as a warm-up, the team’s preparation continues under the guidance of experienced coaches and support staff.
