'We were reminding each other to give our best': Jyothi Surekha after India's women's compound archery team Gold at Asian Games
Jyothi Surekha Vennam and team secure a sensational gold medal in women's compound archery at the Asian Games, defeating China in a thrilling final.
In a display of clinical precision and nerves of steel, the Indian women's compound archery trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi, and Prithika Pradeep secured a sensational gold medal at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan. The trio delivered a masterclass in composure to defeat China in the women's compound archery team final on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for Indian archery on the continental stage.
Clinical Performance Against China
The Indian squad maintained dominance from the very first rotation, outclassing a formidable Chinese side with a final score of 238-234. This victory was particularly significant as the Indian archers matched the world record score of 238, originally set by South Korea in 2014.
The gold medal marks a milestone for the athletes involved:
- Jyothi Surekha Vennam: Her fourth Asian Games gold medal.
- Chikitha Taniparthi: Her first Asiad gold medal on her debut.
- Prithika Pradeep: Her first Asiad gold medal on her debut.
The Mental Game: Focus Over Fear
Speaking to ANI following the victory, Jyothi Surekha emphasized that the team's strategy revolved around mental fortitude rather than the reputation of their opponents. Despite facing China—a powerhouse in the sport—the Indian trio chose to focus entirely on their own performance.
"We just focused on ourselves and what we should do, rather than focusing on other things," Jyothi remarked. "We knew that if we focus on ourselves and give our best as much as possible, we would shoot very well from our side."
The archer highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum and not dwelling on errors. The team used a specific mantra to keep their concentration sharp: focus on the next shot, regardless of previous mistakes.
"We were reminding each other that we need to give our best in every shot, and even if one goes here or there, it's okay. We need to focus on the next shot, because if we keep thinking about that, we won't be able to execute the next shot well," she explained.
Support Systems and Future Goals
Reflecting on the journey to the podium, Jyothi credited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium) scheme for providing the necessary infrastructure and resources. She noted that the support regarding equipment and foreign training was seamless, ensuring the athletes faced no deficiencies ahead of the games.
While the gold is a massive achievement, the Indian camp remains focused on the upcoming schedule. "Right now, there are many matches lined up for India, so first, we will watch them, win more medals today, and then celebrate after that," Jyothi concluded.
This victory contributes to India's growing tally at the Asian Games, which now stands at 53 medals, including 21 silvers and 25 bronze medals.