In a remarkable display of precision, synergy, and mental fortitude, Indian archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav won gold in the compound mixed team event at the Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Auburndale, Central Florida, on Saturday. This gold medal holds added significance as compound archery was recently announced as part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program.
Facing off against Chinese Taipei’s Huang I-Jou and Chen Chieh-Lun, the Indian duo secured a narrow 153-151 victory. Though they initially trailed, with a shaky start in the first set—shooting scores of 8 and 9 against perfect 10s from the Chinese team—the pair quickly recovered. Braving gusty winds and pressure, they rallied to hit the bullseye multiple times, turning the match around.
Vennam and Yadav’s chemistry and calm demeanor were key. At one point, they trailed by three points, but their resilience and consistency helped them dominate the later sets and emerge victorious.
This triumph makes India the second country after the USA to win gold in this category at a World Cup. For Vennam, a seasoned performer and Arjuna Awardee, it adds another feather to her cap. She’s already the first Indian to win multiple World Cup golds in archery. For 22-year-old Rishabh Yadav, who finished 11th in the men’s qualification round, this marks his first-ever World Cup gold, a career-defining moment. Notably, he edged past Abhishek Verma, the 2021 World Championship silver medallist, to team up with Vennam.
The duo had previously won silver at the 2021 Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, but this gold is a new high, not just for them, but for Indian archery. Their coach, Lokesh Chand, witnessed a proud moment as his protégés stood atop the podium.
This victory reinforces India’s emerging dominance in global archery and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
