The Indian women’s compound archery team has made history by securing a gold medal at the World Archery Championships. The team, consisting of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur, displayed exceptional skill and determination as they defeated Mexico in a thrilling final match.
In a closely contested battle, the Indian archers showcased their prowess and emerged victorious with a decisive 235-229 win over their Mexican counterparts. This remarkable achievement is India’s first-ever gold medal in any category of the World Archery Championships since its inception, marking a momentous milestone that has brought immense pride to the nation.
The triumph in Yankton 2023 holds even greater significance as it signifies India’s first gold medal in archery since the country’s debut at the World Championships in Punta Ala, Italy, in 1981. This achievement reflects the remarkable progress and growth of Indian archery over the years.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, the 27-year-old archer, expressed her elation, stating, It is a wonderful feeling. We are delighted to win the country’s first-ever gold. Hope we can continue to win more gold medals. We just focused on our shooting, and we were confident that we would win.
The victory is a testament to the meticulous planning and determination of the team. Sanjeeva Singh, the National High-Performance Director, excitedly called it a historic moment for Indian archery. He emphasized that defeating two compound archery powerhouses in the final would have a profound impact on the popularity and growth of the sport in the country.
Singh also mentioned the possibility of compound archery being introduced in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which could provide even greater recognition to the sport and its athletes.
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, who has been part of all four medal-winning teams in the women’s compound section at the World Championships (silver in 2017 and 2021, bronze in 2019), finally achieved her dream of winning gold after narrowly missing out on previous occasions.
In the semifinals, the Indian team defeated Colombia with a score of 220-216, and in the quarterfinals, they triumphed over Chinese Taipei with a close score of 228-226. However, it was the final match against Mexico where they exhibited their dominance. Throughout the match, the Indian team displayed exceptional accuracy and composure.
They took an early lead, scoring 59 out of a possible 60 points in the first three rounds, establishing a strong 177-172 advantage. As the match progressed, they maintained their lead, finishing with a crucial 58-point round to secure their well-deserved gold medal.
This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Indian archery but also highlights the immense talent and potential of the women’s compound team. Additionally, individual accolades are within reach for the Indian archers, as both Jyothi and Parneet have advanced to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for an exciting all-Indian clash between the two talented archers. Aditi Swami will also be competing in the quarterfinals against Sanne De Laat of the Netherlands, presenting another opportunity for India to shine on the global archery stage.
This historic achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of the Indian women’s compound archery team. The team’s remarkable success at the World Archery Championships not only brings glory to the nation but also inspires future generations of archers.
