Kirti Sharma Says Focus on Process Secured Gold for India

Kirti Sharma, a member of India’s gold‑medal winning women’s recurve archery team at the 2026 Asian Games, attributed the triumph to strict adherence to a pre‑planned process rather than obsessing over the opponent’s reputation.

Alongside Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Mohod, Sharma delivered a 5‑3 victory over South Korea in the final, ending a 44‑year period of Korean dominance in the event. The team had earlier dismantled China 5‑1 in the semi‑finals, showcasing a blend of technical skill and composure.

In an interview conducted in Japan, Sharma explained, “We weren’t thinking about the other side at all. Our concentration was solely on the routine we had rehearsed during countless training sessions. Keeping our emotions balanced and trusting each other was essential.”

The trio trains under coach Udham Singh at the Sai Training Centre in Haryana, where they were taught that even a minor mistake could shift the match’s momentum. Their disciplined execution from the first to the last arrow reflected that philosophy.

India’s archery campaign had already been highlighted by a triple gold sweep in the compound categories at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park. Sharma said those earlier victories amplified the recurve team’s confidence and provided extra inspiration.

“The back‑to‑back gold medals in compound events gave us a psychological edge. We wanted to match that success in our own discipline, and we entered the competition fully prepared,” she said.

The win not only adds a new chapter to Asian Games archery history but also underscores the importance of mental fortitude and process‑driven performance.