Archer Jyothi Surekha: Chasing the Olympic medal dream and a ‘century’

The turning point of my career was when I won my first individual medal in the 2019 World Championship, says the Vijayawada-based archer

Hyderabad: For someone who was never short of motivation despite not being treated on par with some of the other big names in Indian sports despite her rich international medals haul of 90, archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam feels that getting the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award could well be the biggest thing as she chases her Olympic medal dream (her event compound bow has been included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics).

“Yes, three years is pretty long for the Olympics. I am fortunate to stay focused for 15 long years in the international circuit, showing the desired consistency at the highest level. So, it will be a challenge for sure as I keep trying to improve to win an Olympic medal,” the 29-year-old Surekha said in an interaction here on Wednesday.

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Is an Olympic medal the biggest motivation factor now? “Not really. I have remained focused on the sport for so long, when my event was not in the Olympics. I take every event as a fresh chapter, and of course, experience over the years has certainly helped me,” said Surekha, who is also chasing a ‘century’ of a different kind, 10 short of that magical figure.

“It is an undeniable fact that there is that differential treatment compared to those who win medals in the Olympics. So, I am keen to fill that gap for sure,” said Surehka, the first Indian to win three gold medals in the Asian Games (2022), “With a lot of young archers coming up in the international circuit, the challenge is certainly huge. But, I am determined to make a mark in the Olympics as many who meet me keep reminding me that I have won every medal in a World Cup, Asian Games, and World championship, but it would be great if I can add an Olympic medal to my collection,” said a smiling Surekha in the company of her untiring father, Vennam Surendra.

“I believe my biggest strength is discipline, which helped me to be consistent. Yes, I will try to improve my physical conditioning for sure,” said the winner of 11 gold, seven silver and seven bronze in World Cups.

“The next big event is the 2026 Asian Games, and with selections scheduled in January and April, the preparations will begin soon again,” said the Vijayawada-based archer.

“We (the archers) are grateful to the Sports Authority of India, the Government of India, Archery Association of India for their wonderful support and we are always in the comfort zone as far as training and competitions are concerned,” Surekha said.

“I think the turning point of my career was when I won my first individual medal in the 2019 World Championship. That was really special,” she said. “I have absolutely no regrets or any forgetful moments in my career. I am really happy with my achievements so far,” said Surekha, the Deputy Collector in the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

“And, I am grateful to the all-out support extended by my parents. Whatever I could achieve is because of them,” she said.

The proud father, Surendra, said that they (parents) wanted to see Surekha excel in sports. “With each medal she won at different levels, we kept looking ahead. Honestly, when she started, I didn’t expect her to win so many international medals,” he said.