India’s compound archery continued its golden momentum on the global stage as the dynamic pair of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav clinched the gold medal in the Compound Mixed Team event at the 2025 Archery World Cup Stage 1, held in Auburndale, Florida.
Seeded #5 going into the elimination rounds, the Indian duo stunned the field with a mix of composure, precision, and grit—culminating in a heart-stopping 153-151 win over Chinese Taipei in the final to capture the top spot on the podium.
Match-by-Match Journey to Gold
1/8 Round – India (156) vs Spain (149)
India began their campaign confidently, overcoming Spain with a solid 156-149 win. The pair started strong, showing great rhythm and synchrony—setting the tone for what was to come.
Quarterfinal – India (156) vs Denmark (154)
Up against a higher-seeded Denmark (#4), Jyothi and Rishabh had to dig deep. It was a closely fought encounter, but India maintained their nerve and edged the match by just two points. This win reaffirmed their title credentials and set up a high-stakes semi-final.
Semifinal – India (159) vs Slovenia (155)
India saved their best for the semifinals, posting their highest score of the tournament—159. It was near-perfect archery, especially from Jyothi who was in scintillating form. The Slovenian duo tried to stay in the contest but simply couldn’t match the precision and pace of the Indians.
Final – India (153) vs Chinese Taipei (151)
The gold medal match was a thriller. Chinese Taipei, seeded #2 and one of the tournament favorites, pushed India all the way. At one stage, India were trailing 114-115 after three ends, but a sensational final end turned the tide. Jyothi and Rishabh held their composure under immense pressure and outscored the Taipei duo 39-36 in the last end to seal the win.
Stars of the Show: Jyothi & Rishabh
Jyothi Surekha Vennam, already a decorated name in compound archery, added another feather to her cap. This was her 11th World Cup gold, bringing her closer to Deepika Kumari’s Indian record of 12. Jyothi scored 77/80 in the final—testament to her unrelenting consistency at the world level.
On the other hand, this win was historic for Rishabh Yadav, who earned his first-ever World Cup gold medal. The young archer matched Jyothi shot for shot and brought in 76/80 points in the final. Rishabh, who had previously tasted success at the junior level, now proved his mettle among the elite.
Their synergy, despite the pressure of facing top-seeded teams, was electric throughout the tournament.
The Olympic Connection: LA 2028 Beckons
This victory holds even more significance as the Compound Mixed Team event is now part of the program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. India has long excelled in compound events at World Cups and continental championships, but with Olympic inclusion, these wins take on new weight.
The Florida triumph is not just another medal—it’s a signal that India is a serious contender for an Olympic podium in compound archery.
What This Win Means for Indian Archery
India’s rise in compound archery isn’t overnight. The nation has invested in the discipline with a structured pathway from grassroots to elite level. With names like Aditi Swami, Parneet Kaur, and Abhishek Verma creating waves in individual events, the mixed team success completes the picture.
India’s mixed team performances, particularly in compound, have now become world-class. This victory in Florida reflects not only talent but tactical excellence—each round saw Jyothi and Rishabh adapt to changing conditions and outwit formidable opponents.
The 2025 Archery World Cup Stage 1 gold won by Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav is more than just a title—it’s a beacon of India’s emergence as a global compound archery powerhouse.
Jyothi continues to add layers to her already legendary legacy, while Rishabh’s rise signals a promising new chapter. With the Los Angeles Olympics just three years away, this gold sends a loud message: India is not just participating in compound archery—they’re here to dominate.
Let the arrows keep flying, and let the golds keep coming.
