🎯 Jyothi Surekha Vennam Creates History — First Indian Woman Compound Archer to Medal at World Cup Final
A Trailblazing Moment for Indian Archery
By SportsTreat News Desk | Nanjing, China — October 18, 2025
Indian archery touched a new peak on Saturday as Jyothi Surekha Vennam carved her name into sporting history, becoming the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the Archery World Cup Final.
The 29-year-old from Vijayawada clinched bronze after a nerve-wracking win over world No. 2 Ella Gibson of Great Britain in the bronze-medal match at Nanjing, China.
The moment marked not just a personal milestone for Jyothi but also a significant first for Indian archery — a discipline that’s seen steady rise but never before reached the World Cup Final podium in the women’s compound category.
🥉 Composure Under Pressure: The Bronze That Felt Like Gold
Facing one of the most consistent compound archers on the planet, Jyothi displayed poise, precision, and powerful shot control to edge out Gibson in a thrilling contest.
Her 146-144 victory came after five rounds of relentless accuracy, underlining both her mental resilience and technical mastery.
“It’s a very special moment — not just for me, but for Indian archery,” Jyothi said post-match. “Standing on the podium at the World Cup Final has been a dream for years. Today, it became real.”
The win capped off an exceptional season for Jyothi, who has been the flag-bearer of Indian compound archery for over a decade.
🏹 The Road to the World Cup Final Podium
Jyothi’s journey to this medal wasn’t overnight. It was built through grit, consistent performances, and relentless pursuit of excellence:
Earlier this year, she and partner Rishabh Yadav set a world record in the mixed compound team event at the World Cup in Madrid, scoring a record 1431 points (70 Xs) — a feat that established India as a global powerhouse in compound archery.
Across the 2025 World Cup circuit, Jyothi collected multiple podium finishes, qualifying comfortably for the season-ending Final that features only the top eight performers worldwide.
Her bronze in Nanjing followed close encounters with world No. 1 Sara Lopez (Colombia) and reigning European champion Ella Gibson — both battles that tested her composure under fire.
This consistency has placed her among the elite of world compound archery, confirming that Indian archers can now stand toe-to-toe with the very best.
đź’Ş A Journey Forged in Determination
Born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Jyothi’s story is one of early talent and unwavering focus.
A national swimming champion before switching to archery, she found her calling with the bow and arrow — quickly rising through junior ranks before making her senior international debut in 2011.
Over the years, she has won:
Multiple World Archery Championships medals (team and mixed events)
Several World Cup golds and silvers
Asian Games gold in 2023 (Hangzhou), which made her a household name in Indian sports
Her discipline, mental fortitude, and quiet confidence have earned her admiration within the global archery community.
“Jyothi’s medal is the result of years of persistence,” said India’s compound coach, Kuldeep Vedwan. “She’s been the backbone of our women’s compound team and a symbol of what steady hard work can achieve.”
🔍 Tactical Brilliance in Nanjing
Jyothi’s bronze medal match showcased the hallmarks of her game:
Flawless release timing that gave her superior groupings despite the high-pressure environment.
Unflinching rhythm control, allowing her to reset quickly between arrows.
Steady mental presence, even when Gibson matched her point for point in the middle rounds.
She led from the second end onward, keeping her average per-arrow score above 9.7 — a mark of elite-level consistency. Her final end, featuring three consecutive 10s, sealed the contest and the medal.
🌍 A Milestone Beyond One Athlete
Jyothi’s success goes far beyond her personal triumph — it’s a beacon for Indian compound archery as a whole.
India has long produced top-tier recurve archers, but compound — despite its international recognition — has often stayed in the shadows. Her achievement bridges that gap.
Why it matters:
Historic first: No Indian woman had ever medaled at the Archery World Cup Final before.
Global recognition: Puts India firmly on the compound map, alongside traditional powerhouses like USA, Korea, and Colombia.
Momentum builder: Sets a precedent for upcoming Indian archers to believe they can win big on the global stage.
Path to LA 2028: Compound archery will debut at the Los Angeles Olympics. Jyothi’s form positions her as one of India’s best medal hopes when the discipline enters the Olympic fold.
🧠What’s Next for Jyothi and Team India
The focus now shifts to the upcoming Asian Archery Championships and the 2026 World Cup circuit, where Jyothi will look to convert her bronze into gold.
The Archery Federation of India is also ramping up its support system — investing in sports psychology, biomechanics, and analytics for compound shooters.
“This medal is just the beginning,” Jyothi said. “Our goal is to see the Indian flag on the top step. I believe we’re closer than ever.”
🏹 Quick Facts: Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s Historic Feat
Category Details
Event Archery World Cup Final 2025
Venue Nanjing, China
Medal Bronze (defeated Ella Gibson 146-144)
Milestone First Indian woman compound archer to medal at the Finals
Career Highlights World Champion, Asian Games Gold, World Record Holder
Age 29
From Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Coach Kuldeep Vedwan
Quote “It’s a proud moment — this is for Indian archery and every young girl picking up a bow.”
✍️ SportsTreat Verdict
Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s medal is more than a result — it’s a revolution in motion.
For a nation where recurve archery has long dominated headlines, Jyothi’s breakthrough shifts the spotlight to the compound bow — and to a woman who continues to redefine what’s possible.
Her bronze at Nanjing is not just a medal; it’s a message:
India’s arrows no longer aim just for participation — they’re hitting history.
