India’s compound mixed team duo, Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam, continued their impressive performance by clinching successive World Cup gold medals. In a stunning display of skill and composure, they defeated the formidable Korean team to emerge victorious in an intense competition.
Having already claimed the World Cup Stage 1 gold in Antalya the previous month, Deotale and Jyothi carried their newfound chemistry into the finals. They shot with precision and determination, edging out the top-seeded Korean team by a single point, with a final score of 156-155.
Throughout the match, both the Indian duo and the experienced Korean pair of Kim Jongho and Oh Yoohyun consistently shot impressive scores of 39 out of 40 in each of the first three ends. The pressure mounted in the final end, and it was the Koreans who faltered while Deotale and Jyothi maintained their poise, delivering another remarkable score of 39. This exceptional performance secured their back-to-back World Cup gold medals.
Although Jyothi had experienced an early exit in the individual section, she started the final strongly, hitting her targets with precision. Her partner, 20-year-old Ojas Deotale, faced some initial struggles in achieving a perfect 10. However, their excellent coordination and understanding allowed them to compensate for each other’s shortcomings and display flawless chemistry at the highest level.
With the score tied at 117-117 heading into the final end, Jyothi sealed the victory with a perfect 10 on her last arrow. The result was confirmed after a measurement was needed to determine the outcome of Oh Yoohyun’s final arrow, ultimately confirming the Indians’ triumph.
Reflecting on their achievement, Jyothi expressed satisfaction with their coordination and shooting process throughout the World Cup. She emphasized their focus on the shooting process during the final, which proved instrumental in their success. With three gold medals, including one in the individual section at the Antalya leg, Jyothi has made a strong start to the 2023 World Cup season.
Looking ahead, the Vijayawada archer has set her sights on the upcoming World Archery Championships in Berlin, just a couple of months away. Recognizing the significance of this prestigious event, she believes that their gold medal wins provide a significant boost to their confidence. Their aim is to maintain the momentum and strive for further success on the global stage.
The exceptional performance of Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam highlights the rising prominence of Indian archery on the international scene. With their back-to-back World Cup gold medals, they have established themselves as formidable contenders and are poised to make a strong impact at the upcoming World Archery Championships. The nation eagerly awaits their continued success and hopes for more laurels in the future.