Gwangju, South Korea : In an electrifying showdown at the 2025 World Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, India’s top compound archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav clinched the silver medal in the compound mixed team event, a discipline set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Battling fiercely against the Dutch world champions Mike Schloesser and Sanne De Laat, the Indian pair narrowly lost 155-157 in a nail-biting final that saw the Dutch hit a perfect 40 in the final set to edge India’s 39.
The silver medal cements their status among the world’s best, marking Jyothi’s second World Championship mixed team silver after her 2021 podium finish and highlighting Rishabh’s rapid rise at just 23, earning medals every time he pairs with Jyothi this year. Their journey included a remarkable perfect score of 160 against Germany and key victories over El Salvador and Chinese Taipei.
Accompanying this mixed team success, Rishabh Yadav also contributed to a historic moment by winning gold alongside Aman Saini and Prathamesh Fuge in the men’s compound team event, ensuring India’s first-ever gold in this category at the Worlds with a thrilling 235-233 win over France.
Quotes from the camp reflected the highs and motivation from the performance:
Rishabh Yadav said, “This silver will only help us aspire for more. To win medals three times this year together is something we should be proud of.” Jyothi added, “Sometimes things don’t go our way, but we believe we are among the best. This medal is a step towards our ultimate target—a medal at the Olympics.”
Indian coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja expressed optimism about the future, “This silver medal will only motivate others. Competition within the team will grow, and that’s exactly what India needs heading to LA 2028.”
With archery’s compound mixed team event joining the Olympic fold, this thrilling silver from Gwangju has not just raised hopes but has also enhanced India’s standing on the global archery stage. The journey to the LA Olympics begins with high spirits and even higher ambitions.
Key Points:
- India’s Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav claimed silver in the compound mixed team final, losing narrowly 155-157 to the Netherlands.
- Event took place at the 2025 World Archery Championships, Gwangju, South Korea, September 7.
- Rishabh also won gold with Aman Saini and Prathamesh Fuge in the men’s compound team event.
- The mixed team event is now an Olympic sport debuting in LA 2028.
- Jyothi and Rishabh displayed consistent performances throughout the year, including a perfect 160 in one match.
- The silver medal builds momentum and motivates a strong Indian archery campaign towards the Olympics.
This thrilling performance marks a significant milestone for Indian archery, igniting hopes for a historic Olympic medal in compound archery .
Discussion about this post