Jyothi Surekha Vennam: aiming for excellence both on and off the field

Jyothi Surekha Vennam, a 27-year-old compound archer, has achieved a remarkable feat at the Asian Games, winning three gold medals. She hails from Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh, and initially showed promise in swimming but later switched to archery at the age of 11.

At the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, India clinched an unprecedented 107 medals, with Jyothi emerging as a standout performer. She secured gold medals in the women's individual event, the women's team event, and the mixed team event. After her triumphant return, her parents, classmates, sports officials, and state government employees in Vijayawada gave her a warm welcome. A felicitation ceremony was held to celebrate her achievements.

Journey to success

Jyothi's journey in archery began with her father, Vennam Surendra Kumar, recognizing the limited aquatic facilities in their hometown and introducing her to archery. She maintained her focus on academics, earning B.Tech and MBA degrees while receiving unwavering support from her parents to pursue sports.

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Over the years, Jyothi consistently won medals in Asian and world events, becoming a prominent figure in Indian archery. Her breakthrough came at the Paris World Cup in 2022, where she secured the top spot. She continued her winning streak this year, earning four gold medals at World Cups and one at the World Championships.

Success factors

Jyothi attributes her success to maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on her strengths. She practices meditation and visualization to enhance her performance. Additionally, former Italian compound archer Sergio Pagni, who coached the Indian team, played a crucial role in their success. Pagni worked with the Indian team individually, tailoring his coaching to each archer's needs, and shared his vast international experience.

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Future and team focus

Jyothi remains humble and often deflects attention from herself, preferring to emphasize the team's collective efforts. She, along with young talents like Aditi Swami and Ojas Deotale, has set high standards for Indian archery. Her remarkable achievements at world events this year and the Asian Games make her a notable figure in Indian sports, ensuring she continues to be in the spotlight in the years to come.