Indian archers create history

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 20

The Indian women’s compound archery team of V Jyothi Surekha, Trisha Deb and P Lily Chanu created history by entering the gold medal match of the archery World Championships in Mexico. The trio defeated Germany 232-227 to set up a title clash with Colombia, to be held tomorrow.

With this, India have the opportunity to win their first ever gold in the World Championships. They have already assured themselves of India first ever medal in the women’s compound category. India have won four silver medals in the World Championships till date, with compound archer Rajat Chohan winning the sole medal in the men’s category. None of the women compound archers had ever made it to the medal round before and India have already scripted history by assuring themselves of at least a silver. They would be going for gold tomorrow.

The team members and coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja are very excited about their achievement and are keeping their fingers crossed for the big match.

The Indian team has the highest pre-match average of any team in this championship, scoring 232, 233 and 232 points as they defeated Russia, Denmark and then Germany in the elimination matches. 

Speaking to The Tribune over the phone, Trisha Deb said the match against Germany was close, but they held their nerve to win. “Now that we have reached the gold medal match, we will give our best shot to end the gold drought for India in the World Championships,” she said.

Giving the credit for this success to coach Jiwanjot Singh, Archery Association of India and Sports Authority of India, Arjuna Award-winner Jyothi Surekha said it would be a major challenge to take on Colombia, whom they’re facing for the first time. “But we are not under pressure. We just have to shoot our average and rest will fall in place,” she added.  

While both Trisha and P Lily Chanu are former students of Punjabi University and trained under Teja, V Jyothi Surekha too has been training with Teja for many years. However, they have all come together after long for this tournament and the results have been spectacular.