Jyothi Surekha Vennam delivers 1-2 punch in Asian Archery Championships
Dhaka, November 18
World Championships triple silver medallist Jyothi Surekha Vennam overcame the mighty South Korean challenge twice, including in a gripping but controversial final, to win the women’s compound individual gold at the Asian Archery Championships here today.
Fresh from winning three silver medals at the Yankton Worlds in September, Jyothi defeated 2015 world champion Kim Yunhee 148-143 in a lopsided semifinal, before sealing India’s first gold against Oh Yoohyun with a one-point win (146-145).
Leading by two points going into the final set, the world No. 6 Jyothi shot a 10 and hit the 9-ring twice, which was enough to land India the first gold medal after the South Korean hit the 9-ring in a controversial decision.
The South Korean camp, including the coaches, challenged the award of nine points, believing it to be a 10. However, the judge ruled it a 9, giving the result in India’s favour.
“The arrow was completely missing 10. All Korean coaches went to the target, which is not allowed as per rules, to put pressure on the judge. As per the World Archery rules, it is a one judge call and cannot be protested,” said an Indian coach in Dhaka.
Jyothi settled for a silver in the mixed team event after losing to the top seed South Koreans by one point. Jyothi, who had the company of 19-year-old Rishabh Yadav in the mixed pair event, concluded her campaign with two medals.
After being locked at 38-all in the opening round, the duo of former world champion Yunhee and Choi Younghee raised their game, shooting four perfect 10s en route a 155-154 victory.
That was India’s second medal of the competition, and also the second for Yadav, who had bagged a team bronze with former Asian Games gold medallist Abhishek Verma and Aman Saini on Wednesday. — PTI
