India’s campaign at the Archery World Cup Final 2025 in Nanjing produced moments of both pride and heartbreak.
On one hand, Rishabh Yadav came agonizingly close to a maiden medal, finishing fourth in the men’s compound category after a shoot-off loss to World No. 1 Mike Schloesser. On the other, Jyothi Surekha Vennam etched her name in history, clinching her first-ever individual medal at the World Cup Final a flawless bronze-winning performance that reaffirmed her stature as India’s premier compound archer. The day began with immense promise for 23-year-old Rishabh Yadav, who had impressed throughout the 2025 World Cup circuit. His quarterfinal win over Kim Jongho 🇰🇷, a seasoned world medallist, was a testament to his composure under pressure.
In a tense duel, Rishabh edged past the Korean 144–143, shooting a near-perfect end when it mattered most to seal his semifinal berth.
The semifinal, however, presented a different challenge. Facing the in-form Mike Schloesser, aptly nicknamed “Mr Perfect” for his consistency in the 10-ring, Rishabh showed tremendous grit. Both archers were locked in a high-quality battle where each arrow could swing momentum either way. While Rishabh matched the Dutchman through most of the rounds, a marginal line call in the closing end pushed him into the bronze medal playoff.
In the bronze medal match, destiny seemed to have other plans. Rishabh once again took on Schloesser in what turned into a dramatic finish. Both archers tied at 147–147, forcing a shoot-off a single-arrow decider to determine the winner. Both shot perfect Xs, but Schloesser’s arrow was judged to be closer to the centre, giving him the bronze and leaving Rishabh with a heartbreaking fourth place.
For the young Indian, it was a cruel finish after a superb tournament, but his performance composed, mature, and fearless signalled that India’s future in men’s compound archery is in capable hands.
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Jyothi Surekha Vennam Ends Medal Drought with a Perfect Bronze
If Rishabh’s journey ended in heartbreak, Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s story in Nanjing was one of redemption and reward. Competing in her third World Cup Final, Jyothi finally broke through the barrier, becoming the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal in the prestigious season-ending event.
Her campaign began strongly with a 143–140 victory over Alexis Ruiz 🇺🇸 in the quarterfinals, displaying the same calm precision that has defined her 2025 season. The semifinal saw her take on reigning World Champion Andrea Becerra 🇲🇽, a familiar rival who has often tested Jyothi on the circuit. In a closely fought match, Jyothi went down narrowly 143–145, missing the final by just two points.
But true champions rise after setbacks and Jyothi did just that.
In the bronze medal match, she faced World No. 2 Ella Gibson 🇬🇧, one of the most technically sound compound archers in the world. What followed was a masterclass in precision. Jyothi shot a perfect 150, not missing a single 10-ring across five ends, to beat Gibson (145) comprehensively and claim bronze. That final end, where she closed with a trio of perfect Xs, summed up the discipline and mastery that have made Jyothi the face of Indian compound archery. The victory was as symbolic as it was significant a reward for years of consistency, hard work, and near misses.
India’s Legacy at the World Cup Final
Jyothi’s bronze adds another illustrious chapter to India’s record at the Archery World Cup Final, an event featuring the season’s best eight archers from around the globe.
She becomes only the fifth Indian ever to medal at the tournament, joining an elite list:
Gold- Dola Banerjee (2007)
Silver – Deepika Kumari (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015) and Prathamesh Jawkar (2023)
Bronze – Deepika Kumari (2018) and Abhishek Verma (2018)
Bronze Jyothi Surekha Vennam (2025)
That distinction underscores the rarity and difficulty of the feat. While Deepika Kumari has long been India’s flagbearer in recurve, Jyothi’s success cements her position as the undisputed leader in compound archery — a category that continues to thrive globally despite being absent from the Olympics.
A Year of Highs for Indian Compound Archery
2025 has been a defining year for India’s compound contingent. Between Rishabh Yadav’s rise, Prathamesh Jawkar’s consistency, and Jyothi’s landmark medal, India has maintained a strong presence at every major international competition. Rishabh’s near-podium finish against the world’s best proved that India’s new generation is ready to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses. His ability to hold his nerve in tight situations, particularly in the quarterfinal, reflects a player evolving rapidly on the international stage. For Jyothi, this bronze closes one chapter of pursuit and opens another the quest for a World Championship gold and dominance in the 2026 World Cup circuit.
While the results in Nanjing were a mixed bag, they collectively represent progress and promise for Indian archery. Jyothi’s medal and Rishabh’s fourth-place finish reaffirm India’s growing depth in the compound division one built on consistency, technical refinement, and mental toughness. For Rishabh, this campaign will serve as motivation heading into 2026. The margin between fourth and third quite literally a few millimetres is enough to fuel a champion’s resolve. For Jyothi, the bronze medal validates her decade-long perseverance and re-establishes her as one of the finest compound archers in the world.
As India closes its campaign at the Archery World Cup Final 2025, the narrative is clear: heartbreak and history, resilience and redemption two performances that define the essence of elite sport.
