India’s archery contingent will take another significant step in its preparations for the 2026 Asian Games when a revamped 16-member squad competes at the third stage of the Archery World Cup in Antalya, Türkiye, from June 9 to 14.
With a blend of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, the tournament presents an opportunity for Indian archers to build momentum during a crucial phase of the international season. Antalya marks the halfway point of the 2026 Archery World Cup circuit and has attracted over 300 archers from more than 40 countries, making it one of the most competitive events of the year. The stage winners will also secure qualification spots for the World Cup Final scheduled to be held in Saltillo, Mexico, later this year.
Among the biggest talking points in the Indian squad are the World Cup debuts of youngsters Kirti Sharma and T Ganesh Mani Ratnam. The duo earned selection following impressive performances at the national trials and will be looking to make an immediate impact on the global stage. They join a squad that includes some of India’s most experienced names.
Four time Olympian Deepika Kumari returns to lead the women’s recurve challenge, while Olympian Atanu Das and Paris Olympics bronze medallist Dhiraj Bommadevara strengthen the men’s recurve lineup. In the compound section, world-class archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam will spearhead India’s medal hopes alongside Sahil Jadhav, who remains the country’s only individual World Cup medallist this season.
The Archery Association of India recently finalised separate squads for the Asian Games and the remaining World Cup stages. While younger archers secured places for the continental showpiece in Aichi-Nagoya, experienced stars such as Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das were selected specifically for the Antalya and Madrid World Cup legs after narrowly missing out on the Asian Games team.
India has enjoyed a promising start to the 2026 World Cup season. Across the first two stages in Puebla and Shanghai, the Indian contingent claimed three medals, including women’s team gold medals in both the recurve and compound categories. The performances have highlighted the growing depth within the Indian setup and provided valuable confidence ahead of a busy international calendar.
Sahil Jadhav’s bronze medal in the men’s compound event at the Shanghai World Cup remains India’s standout individual achievement this season. His consistency has strengthened India’s prospects in the compound discipline, while Jyothi Surekha Vennam continues to be among the country’s most reliable performers on the international circuit.
The Antalya stage will also serve as a key assessment event ahead of the Asian Games. With only one more World Cup stop remaining in Madrid next month before the continental competition, archers will be eager to fine tune their form, adapt to international conditions, and gain valuable match experience against the world’s elite.
The tournament is being held at the newly introduced Gloria Sports Arena, marking a new chapter for Antalya’s long association with the Archery World Cup circuit. The Turkish city is hosting a World Cup stage for the 20th time, underlining its status as one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Indian Squad for Antalya Archery World Cup:
Recurve Men: Dhiraj Bommadevara, Atanu Das, Yashdeep Bhoge, Neeraj Chauhan
Recurve Women: Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, Kumkum Mohod, Kirti Sharma
Compound Men: Rishabh Yadav, Sahil Jadhav, Kushal Dalal, T Ganesh Mani Ratnam
Compound Women: Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Parneet Kaur, Chikitha Taniparthi, Prthika Pradeep
Competition began with qualification rounds on June 9 and will conclude with the recurve finals on June 14. Team events, mixed team competitions, and individual knockout rounds will take place throughout the week as archers battle for medals and valuable ranking points. For Indian fans, all the action from the Antalya Archery World Cup will be available live on the Sony LIV app and website, offering an opportunity to follow the country’s rising stars and established champions as they continue their journey towards the Asian Games and beyond.
Antalya Archery World Cup 2026 Schedule (All Timings in IST)
June 9 (Monday)
4:30 PM: Compound Qualification Round
June 10 (Tuesday)
11:30 AM: Compound Team Elimination Rounds
4:30 PM: Recurve Qualification Round
June 11 (Wednesday)
11:30 AM: Recurve Team Elimination Rounds
5:00 PM: Mixed Team Elimination Rounds
June 12 (Thursday)
11:30 AM: Individual Elimination Rounds
June 13 (Friday)
12:30 PM: Compound Medal Matches
June 14 (Saturday)
12:30 PM: Recurve Medal Matches
