Jyothi Surekha Vennam etched her name in Indian archery history by becoming the first woman compound archer to secure a medal at the Archery World Cup Final, clinching bronze with an impeccable performance in Yankton. The 29-year-old Asian Games champion showcased her prowess against world No. 2 Ella Gibson of Great Britain, firing 15 perfect arrows to win 150-145 in the bronze medal match. This landmark achievement marks Jyothi’s maiden podium finish in the prestigious eight-archer season finale, cementing her status as one of India’s finest archers.

Jyothi’s journey began with a commanding 143-140 quarterfinal victory over Alexis Ruiz of the USA, displaying confidence and precision. In the semifinals, she faced a formidable challenge from world No. 1 Andrea Becerra of Mexico, leading briefly after the third end (87-86) but falling narrowly 143-145 as Becerra’s three 10s in the fourth end tipped the scales. Despite the setback, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist rebounded spectacularly in the bronze medal match, delivering a flawless 15 consecutive 10s to overpower Gibson and end her campaign on a triumphant note.

This was Jyothi’s third World Cup Final appearance, having faced early exits in Tlaxcala (2022) and Hermosillo (2023). Her compatriot, Madhura Dhamangaonkar, also competed in the women’s compound section but fell 142-145 to Mexico’s Mariana Bernal in the opening round. In the men’s compound section, India’s top-ranked Rishabh Yadav narrowly missed a bronze, tying 147-147 with former world champion Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands after five ends. A thrilling shoot-off saw both archers score perfect 10s, but Schloesser’s arrow, judged closer to the center, edged out Yadav by mere millimeters.

Also Read: Can India’s Sixth Bowler Change Their World Cup Fate Against England?

Jyothi’s historic bronze underscores India’s rising prominence in compound archery, following Abhishek Verma’s silver (2015) and bronze (2018) as the only other Indian medals at the World Cup Final. With no Indian qualifiers in the recurve section this season, Jyothi’s achievement shines as a beacon of hope, highlighting her resilience and skill on the global stage and inspiring the next generation of Indian archers.

Also Read: Pakistan Aim to Ruin New Zealand’s World Cup Dream in Rain-Hit Showdown