The Indian women compound archery team continues its dream run on the world stage as the trio of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Parneet Kaur booked their place in the final of the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid.
With a gritty 230-226 win over Indonesia in the semi-finals, the Indian team has once again underlined its dominance in compound archery, reinforcing India’s growing status as a powerhouse in this discipline.
A Calm and Composed Semi-Final
Coming into the semi-finals, the Indian team knew they had a tough opponent in Indonesia. The match proved to be exactly that a tight contest where both teams traded blows end after end. However, the seasoned Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s experience and the calm execution by Prithika and Parneet ensured India edged ahead when it mattered most.
The Indians started strong, maintaining a slender lead through the first few ends. Indonesia matched them arrow for arrow, but when the pressure mounted in the final few shots, the Indian trio held their nerve to close out the match at 230-226.
For Jyothi, this is yet another moment of excellence in a glittering career. The Arjuna awardee has been India’s most reliable name in compound archery for nearly a decade, and her steady hand continues to guide India’s women’s team to podiums around the world.
Road to the Final
The Indian women’s compound team’s journey in Madrid has been a demonstration of consistency and class.
- Round of 16: The top-seeded Indians received a bye, automatically progressing to the quarter-finals.
- Quarter-final: They faced El Salvador, a team that has steadily improved in recent years. India, however, showed their class with a commanding 235-226 win, one of the highest scores posted in the women’s team event this stage.
- Semi-final: A tougher test awaited against Indonesia. Unlike the quarter-final, where India was in control throughout, this match tested the trio’s ability to absorb pressure. A 230-226 win saw them through to the gold medal match.
In compound team archery, margins are often razor thin. A single errant arrow can swing an entire match. That India has consistently crossed the 230-mark demonstrates both technical sharpness and mental fortitude.
Final Test Awaits: Clash With Chinese Taipei
India’s quest for gold will now see them square off against Chinese Taipei, another strong team with depth and experience in compound archery. Chinese Taipei’s women’s compound teams have long been among Asia’s most formidable units, and the final promises to be a high-scoring, tense battle.
For India, this is a chance to not just secure another World Cup gold but also build momentum ahead of the World Archery Championships and other major events on the compound circuit.
The Jyothi Effect
A large part of India’s recent success in compound archery can be credited to Jyothi Surekha Vennam. One of the most decorated compound archers India has produced, Jyothi has been the backbone of the national team since her teenage years. Her calm demeanour, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and consistency have made her an invaluable leader for young archers like Prithika and Parneet.
Her presence at the anchor position in team events often allows her teammates to shoot freely, knowing Jyothi can absorb the pressure if the scoreline tightens. This leadership, both on and off the shooting line, has been a crucial factor behind India’s sustained medal hauls at World Cups, Asian Championships, and World Championships.
Young Guns Rising
While Jyothi’s experience is priceless, the performances of Prithika Pradeep and Parneet Kaur deserve equal praise. Both have emerged as strong additions to India’s compound ranks, showing maturity beyond their years. Prithika, who has already made her mark in individual events, has proven to be a steady hand in the team setup, while Parneet’s composure has impressed coaches and fans alike.
Their rise also signals the depth that India is building in compound archery. This is no longer a one-archer show; there is a solid bench and a strong pipeline of talent ready to take on the world.
The Men’s Team Falls Short
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Indian contingent in Madrid. The men’s compound team, which had also looked strong in qualification, couldn’t replicate the women’s team’s heroics. They fell short in the quarter-finals, bowing out after a closely contested match. While disappointing, the result will offer learnings for the team as they regroup and look ahead to upcoming events.
What This Means Going Forward
Compound archery remains outside the Olympic fold for now, but India’s focus on this discipline is paying rich dividends at the World Cup and Asian levels. The consistent podium finishes by the women’s team built around a blend of experience and youth provide hope that India can dominate the discipline for years to come.
With the Asian Games done and the World Archery Championships on the horizon, this gold medal match in Madrid is another important milestone. A win here would bolster confidence, boost rankings, and further solidify India’s reputation on the world stage.
All Eyes on Gold
As the Indian women’s compound team gears up for the final against Chinese Taipei, expectations will be high. They have shown they can handle tight matches, outscore the best, and keep calm under the harshest pressure. If they can replicate the same focus and execution, India could very well add another gold to its World Cup cabinet.
One thing is clear with Jyothi Surekha Vennam leading from the front and the young duo of Prithika and Parneet rising fast, Indian compound archery is in good hands.
Here’s hoping the final arrow hits the gold.
