The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya served as the breakout stage for compound archer
Chikitha’s path to success was far from conventional. Her father, Srinivas Rao, played a pivotal role in her development, actively seeking out sporting opportunities and eventually selling the family’s paddy harvester to fund her equipment and training. After experimenting with various team sports, Chikitha found her calling in archery, drawn to the individual nature of the discipline where performance is solely a reflection of personal effort.
A Foundation Built on Resilience and Mentorship
The archer’s technical foundation was established through a mix of self-taught practice and high-level guidance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she maintained her conditioning by running along the edges of her family’s fields while her father set up a 50-meter target path. Her development accelerated significantly in 2021 when she connected with mentor Abhishek Verma. Under his tutelage at the Yamuna Sports Complex, she refined her anchor technique and developed the patience required for elite-level competition, often spending entire evening sessions holding her bow steady to build strength and focus.
Following her initial training, Chikitha joined the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Sonipat under coach Vivek Kumar. The transition to the North Indian training environment was challenging, but her commitment remained absolute. Her potential was validated during the 2022 Asian Games selection trials, where she finished seventh, providing the necessary confidence for her coaching staff to continue her development toward the senior international circuit.
Looking Toward the Future
Despite her recent success in Japan, Chikitha remains grounded, viewing her achievements as part of a larger, step-by-step progression. Her career has not been without obstacles; she faced a significant dip in form in 2024, which she overcame through renewed focus and a disciplined approach to her training regimen. Her dedication is such that she prioritizes investing her prize money back into her equipment, specifically purchasing new arrows to ensure her practice remains at the highest standard.
With the 2026 Asian Games now behind her, Chikitha is already looking toward the upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games. Supported by her family and a dedicated team of mentors, she continues to balance the demands of elite sport with the humble roots that shaped her. As she continues to evolve as an athlete, her focus remains on consistency and the pursuit of becoming one of India’s most decorated archers.
