Jyothi Surekha Vennam wins golden double at Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka

Jyothi Surekha Vennam won both individual and team gold at the Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka, marking her eighth title in the event. The 29-year-old archer now eyes Olympic glory as the compound bow debuts in Los Angeles 2028

Hyderabad: Jyothi Surekha Vennam has done it again! India’s ace woman archer bagged a golden double, winning the individual and team gold in the 24th Asian Archery Championships in Dhaka on Thursday.

The Vijayawada-based archer and her teammates Deepshikha and Prithika Pradeep secured the women’s team gold, defeating South Korea 236-234 in the compound bow final. Surekha also claimed the individual gold by beating Prithika 147-145 in the women’s individual final.

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This remarkable performance marks Surekha’s eighth Asian Archery Championships title from 2011 to 2025 and her third individual title in the event, after previously winning in 2021 and 2015.

Overall, Surekha, who is Deputy Collector in the Government of Andhra Pradesh, has won a total of 90 international medals, consisting of 33 gold, 33 silver and 24 bronze medals.

The 29-year-old archer’s consistency and excellence have brought immense pride to the nation, while also serving as a reminder that she continues to chase the ultimate goal of winning an Olympic medal, with the compound bow set to be introduced at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“Though the Olympics is three years away, it will be great if I stay focused, keep winning medals and realise my biggest goal of winning an Olympic medal,” she said recently.

It is also a pity that Surekha has been repeatedly overlooked for the prestigious Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award despite being one of India’s most consistent achievers at major international competitions, including World Cups and Asian Games.