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Indian compound archer Abhishek Verma is determined to fight his way back into the national team after missing selection for the 2026 Asian Games. The experienced international medal-winner is now focused on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Verma, one of India’s most accomplished compound archers, missed the Asian Games squad following the national selection trials held earlier in 2026. The setback came at a significant moment for the discipline, with compound archery set to make its Olympic debut in the mixed team event at Los Angeles 2028.
Despite missing the continental competition, Verma remains committed to his competitive ambitions and continues to contribute to Indian archery through his experience and mentorship of younger athletes.
Verma’s absence from the Asian Games squad followed a difficult selection campaign. India’s trials in Sonipat produced a new-look team, with younger archers earning places in the men’s compound category.
The selected squad included Sahil Jadhav, Kushal Dalal and Thirumuru Ganesh Mani Ratnam. Verma, despite his international experience and previous Asian Games medals, did not make the final team.
The selection outcome was a setback for a competitor who has represented India at major international events and earned numerous medals in compound archery. However, the national selection process created a new opportunity for younger athletes to establish themselves on a major continental stage.
Verma’s next challenge is to regain his place through future trials and performances.
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games represent an important milestone for compound archery. The discipline will feature in the mixed team event for the first time, giving compound specialists an Olympic pathway that has not previously existed.
India has a strong record in international compound archery, and the country secured a quota place for the LA 2028 compound mixed team event through the 2026 Asian Games. Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav won the mixed team gold in Aichi-Nagoya to secure that place for India.
However, a quota place for the country does not automatically guarantee selection for any individual archer. Verma will need to demonstrate his form and earn selection through the applicable national process.
His stated ambition is to return to the national squad and put himself in contention for the historic Olympic competition.
Verma is also looking towards the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which offer another major target in his long-term career.
For an experienced athlete, managing a campaign across several seasons requires consistent performance, technical refinement and preparation for selection trials. Verma’s international experience gives him a substantial body of competitive knowledge, but he will still need to compete successfully against a new generation of Indian archers.
The coming seasons will be important as he works to regain selection and remain competitive at the highest level.
Beyond his own ambitions, Verma has played a role in supporting younger compound archers. His experience on the international circuit provides useful perspective for athletes who are establishing themselves in senior competition.
Chikitha Taniparthi, who won two gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games, has been among the young Indian archers associated with his mentorship. Her success in the mixed team event alongside Sahil Jadhav helped India secure its Olympic quota place.
India’s recent achievements in compound archery demonstrate the depth of talent emerging in the discipline. For Verma, continuing to compete while sharing his experience with younger athletes offers another way to contribute to the sport.
Verma’s immediate priority is to return to the national team through strong performances and future selection trials. The road to LA 2028 will be competitive, with younger archers seeking to consolidate their places and experienced athletes attempting to regain selection.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games provide a further long-term objective. Whether Verma reaches either event will depend on his form, fitness, performance in selection competitions and the applicable qualification rules.
For now, his message is one of continued ambition: missing one major event has not ended his pursuit of future international opportunities.
Abhishek Verma’s omission from India’s 2026 Asian Games squad marks a difficult chapter in the career of one of the country’s leading compound archers. Yet his focus remains on returning to the national team and competing for selection for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
With compound archery entering the Olympic programme at LA 2028, the next two seasons offer a significant opportunity for Indian archers. Verma’s challenge is to turn his experience into performances that earn him another chance on the international stage.
Sportstar, The Hindu — “Abhishek Verma continues Olympic dream despite missing Asian Games 2026.”
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/abhishek-verma-continues-olympic-dream-despite-missing-asian-games-2026/article71574023.ece
Primary source for Verma’s Olympic ambitions and his response to missing the Asian Games.
The Economic Times / PTI — “Asiad missed, India's compound archery ace Abhishek Verma targets Los Angeles 2028, CWG 2030.” Published October 12, 2026.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/other-sports/asiad-missed-indias-compound-archery-ace-abhishek-verma-targets-los-angeles-2028-cwg-2030/articleshow/134885165.cms
Corroborates his future goals and the context of missing the Asian Games squad.
World Archery — “Kumari, Das and Deotale miss out as India names Asian Games squad.” Published May 22, 2026.
https://www.worldarchery.sport/fr/node/202450
Supports the background on India’s selection process for the 2026 Asian Games.
World Archery / Indian Archery — Official Asian Games and Olympic qualification updates.
https://www.indianarchery.org/
Provides background on India’s Asian Games archery results and Olympic quota qualification.
