The Indian mixed team of Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam produced a series of brilliant performances to storm into the finals of the Mixed Team event at the 2025 Archery World Championships, setting up a gold medal clash against the Netherlands.
Their path to the final was marked by world record shooting, commanding wins, and a tense semifinal where they held their nerve against a spirited Chinese Taipei pair.
A Record-Breaking Start
India’s campaign began in spectacular fashion. Taking on Germany in the pre-quarterfinals, Rishabh and Jyothi delivered a flawless performance, shooting a perfect 160/160. Their consistency was remarkable, with three consecutive perfect series of 40 to open the match. Germany, despite fighting hard, could only manage 152, allowing India to cruise into the quarterfinals with a statement victory.
The performance was not just about progression. It also placed the Indian duo in elite company. Their 160 matched the equal world record for the mixed team event, a score previously achieved by pairs from Turkey, Denmark, South Korea, and Italy. India’s 160-7X placed them fourth-best among these record holders, with the Turkish duo Burun and Akcaoglu still holding the outright record with 10 Xs. Nevertheless, India’s flawless shooting showed why Yadav and Vennam are considered one of the most formidable partnerships in world compound archery today.
Quarterfinal Test Against El Salvador
In the quarterfinals, India faced El Salvador, who had stunned Turkey earlier in the day. The Salvadoran pair started well, edging the first series 39-38. But India responded with authority, firing a perfect 40/40 in the second series to take control of the match. By the halfway point, the scoreboard read 79-76 in India’s favor. From there, Yadav and Vennam tightened their grip, extending their lead to 117-114 after three ends. They eventually closed out the contest 157-153, with the Indian pair showcasing both precision and composure. The win sent them into the semifinals, where they were expected to face South Korea.
However, in a dramatic twist, Chinese Taipei ousted Korea in a shoot-off after both teams tied at 155, setting up a fresh challenge for India.
A High-Pressure Semifinal
The semifinal against Chinese Taipei’s Chang and Huang was a classic test of nerve. India got off to the perfect start, shooting 40/40, while their opponents dropped two points to score 38. That early lead put India ahead 40-38. But Chinese Taipei responded strongly in the second series, firing a flawless 40. India, for the first time in the contest, dropped a point to 39. At the halfway mark, the match was delicately poised at 79-78 in India’s favor. The third series proved decisive. Yadav and Vennam regrouped brilliantly, posting another perfect 40/40.
Chinese Taipei managed only 39, giving India a crucial two-point cushion heading into the final end. With the pressure on, India held firm, matching their opponents arrow for arrow to close the match 157-155.
It was a display of both resilience and composure. Despite Chinese Taipei’s spirited fightback, India’s ability to deliver when it mattered most ensured their passage to the final.
The success of Rishabh Yadav and Jyothi Surekha Vennam is built on a proven partnership. The duo had earlier this year won the mixed team gold at the first stage of the 2025 Archery World Cup in Auburndale, Florida. They also set a new world record score of 1431 in the mixed team qualification round at the Madrid World Cup in July, underlining their consistency on the biggest stages.
Their chemistry was on full display again at the World Championships. Yadav’s calm presence and accuracy complemented Vennam’s experience and consistency, making them a difficult pair to unsettle.
India will now face the Netherlands in the gold medal match tomorrow. The Dutch team has shown strong form throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be a thrilling contest. For India, the opportunity is significant. A gold medal here would add to their growing list of international successes in compound archery and reinforce their reputation as one of the sport’s dominant forces. For Jyothi Surekha Vennam, already one of India’s most decorated archers, another world championship medal would further cement her legacy. For Rishabh Yadav, it is another step forward in establishing himself as a consistent performer on the world stage.
From a record-equalling performance in the pre-quarterfinals to a gritty semifinal victory against Chinese Taipei, India’s journey to the mixed team final at the 2025 Archery World Championships has been marked by brilliance, resilience, and precision. With the Netherlands standing between them and the gold medal, Yadav and Vennam have a golden chance to etch their names deeper into the history of Indian archery.
Tomorrow’s final will not just be about medals it will be a contest of nerve, composure, and execution. And if today’s performances are any indication, India will walk into the arena with both confidence and momentum firmly on their side.
