It is finally done. India has breached the historic 100-medal tally at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, with the women's kabaddi team clinching the gold, beating Taiwan 26-24.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Indian archers moved India closer to the dream target as they brought home two gold medals, a silver and bronze. Indian compound archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam grabbed a hat-trick of gold, while Aditi Swami bagged a bronze.
Soon after the women's events, Indian archer Ojas Deotale won gold as Abhishek Verma settled for silver medal in men's compound individual event at Asian Games. This is the country's best performance at the Asian Games archery—in the Incheon edition in 2014, India had won three medals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate the Indian contingent. "The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India. Every awe-inspiring performance has made history and filled our hearts with pride," he wrote.
On the penultimate day of the Games, Aditi prevailed over Indonesia's Ratih Zilizati Fadhly in a one-sided bronze play-off. Though she was not in her best form, the 17-year-old, who clinched the World Championship title in Berlin earlier this year, won 146-140. Meanwhile, Jyoti defeated her formidable South Korean opponent So Chaewon 149-145.
With Deotale and Verma's stellar gold-silver finish, India's medal tally stood at 99, moments before the women's kabbadi team sealed the deal.
At the end of Day 13 on Friday, India's medal tally stood at 95. India had won 70 medals in the last edition in Indonesia where the country's athletes won 16 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze medals to record their best-ever performance.
Day 14 promises some riveting action for Indian sport enthusaists. The wrestling mat will also witness fierce competition on Saturday as Yash, Deepak Punia, Vicky, and Sumit take on their opponents in their respective weight categories. All eyes will also be on the Indian men's cricket team as they take on Afghanistan in the match for the coveted gold.