In a spectacular display of precision and composure, Jyothi Surekha Vennam clinched the gold medal in the women’s compound individual event at the Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, defeating fellow Indian archer Prithika Pradeep 147–145. With this win, she also secured team gold, completing a golden double and adding yet another chapter to her extraordinary journey. This victory marks her eighth Asian Championships title between 2011 and 2025, an achievement that reflects her relentless consistency and unshakable focus.

Rising From Challapalli to World Podiums

Born on 3 July 1996 in Challapalli, Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Jyothi’s story is one of discipline, sacrifice, and a quiet determination that continues to inspire young athletes across India. Her father, Vennam Surendra Kumar, a former Kabaddi player and veterinary doctor, recognized early that his daughter possessed exceptional grit. Under his guidance, Jyothi entered the world of sport at a very young age, first through swimming. At the age of 3, she began training in the pool. By 5, she swam 5 km across the Krishna River, taking 3 hours and 20 minutes, an achievement that cemented her place in the Limca Book of Records as the youngest person to complete the feat.

From Archer in Training to Record-Breaking Champion

Jyothi picked up a bow at the age of 11, and within just a few years, she started making her mark in junior championships. Her international career began at a rapid pace; Jyothi Surekha Vennam’s journey is marked by consistent excellence and historic achievements. She won her first major medal in 2011, a bronze at the Asian Championships in Tehran, followed by two bronze medals at the 2013 World Archery Youth Championships in Wuxi, China. From 2015 to 2025, she continued her dominance in continental events, becoming one of Asia’s most reliable and feared compound archers. 

In 2021, she created history by winning a triple silver at the World Championships—becoming the first Indian archer to achieve this feat. Her success reached new heights at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she clinched three gold medals. In 2025, she set a world record in the mixed team event with Rishabh Yadav, scoring an extraordinary 1431 points. 

With 90 international medals—33 gold, 33 silver, and 24 bronze—Jyothi stands tall as one of the greatest archers India has ever produced.

The Golden Double in Dhaka: A New Milestone

Her performance in Dhaka is more than another addition to her medal tally; it is a reminder that Jyothi continues to reign as the face of Indian compound archery. She delivered high 10s under pressure, maintained composure in the closing arrows, and edged past her compatriot in a nail-biting finish. Winning both individual and team gold also reinforces India’s dominance in compound archery at the Asian level.

Chasing the Olympic Dream: 2028 Los Angeles

For years, compound archery was not part of the Olympic Games. But with the discipline finally set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Jyothi’s lifelong dream of an Olympic medal is now within reach. “Though the Olympics is three years away, it will be great if I stay focused, keep winning medals, and realize my biggest goal of winning an Olympic medal,” she said recently. Her words carry the weight of a decade-long pursuit of early mornings, muscle memory, and the silent mental battles behind every arrow. Alongside her sporting excellence, Jyothi serves as a Deputy Collector in the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Balancing a demanding athletic schedule with government service is not easy, but she handles both with precision.