Archers Jyothi Vennam and Ojas Deotale clinched gold on Wednesday to give India its best ever medal tally at the Asian Games in China's Hangzhou. So far, India has won 71 medals, surpassing the previous best of 70 medals.
India had won 70 medals in the 2018 Jakarta Games. With the gold in archery, India also equalled their best gold medal tally of 16 it achieved in 2018.
"Historic moment at the Asian Games! With this gold in archery, India's medal tally at Asian Games now stands tall at an incredible 71 medals! Our athletes' dedication and hard work have made this moment possible. Let's keep the cheers and support going as we aim for even more success," the Sports Authority of India said in a post on X.
India's 71st medal came after Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Deotale won gold in the compound mixed team event in archery, defeating the South Korean pair of So Chaewon and Joo Jaehoon 159-158.
Congratulating Jyothi and Ojas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "First Gold Medal in Archery at the Asian Games! Well done Jyothi Vennam and Ojas for hitting the bullseye in the Mixed Team Compound event, leading to a perfect podium finish. Their exceptional skill, precision and teamwork has ensured great results."
Earlier, Ram Baboo and Manju Rani won bronze in the first event of the day -- the 35km race walk mixed team. They finished with a timing of 5:51:14. China took the gold medal while Japan finished second.
India have now won 16 gold, 26 silver and 29 bronze medals in the Asian Games, with a chance to add more since four days are still left for the event to conclude.
China leads the chart with 164 gold, 90 silver and 46 bronze medals. Japan and South Korea are second and third in the list.
For India, its shooting and athletics teams have been the biggest contributors so far. India have got 22 medals in shooting and 23 so far in athletics, with a few more events like Neeraj Chopra's javelin throw still to come.
India has sent its largest-ever contingent at the Hangzhou Asian games with an aim to cross 100 medals this time. 'Aab ki Baar, Sau Paar' has been India's catch line for the event.