Oct 07, 2023
“Golden Hat-Trick: Archers Shine at Asian Games”
Indian archers Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam etched their names in history with a remarkable achievement, securing three gold medals each at the Asian Games.
Adding to the glory, Aditi Swami contributed to India’s historic tally with a well-deserved bronze, marking an all-time high of nine medals in archery.
Kicking off the penultimate day of the continental showcase, reigning world champion Aditi Swami ensured India’s ninth archery medal at the Games.
Despite facing Indonesia’s Ratih Zilizati Fadhly in a one-sided bronze play-off, Aditi displayed her skill and tenacity, triumphing with a score of 146-140, despite a slight dip in her performance.
Already a gold medalist in the mixed pair and women’s team events, Jyothi Surekha Vennam continued her winning streak.
She faced a formidable South Korean opponent, So Chaewon, engaging in a riveting match. With unwavering determination, Jyothi secured her third consecutive gold with an impressive scoreline of 149-145.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she remarked, “I feel short of words, and lots of emotions are going through. I need some time to give this a thinking.”
In a battle between the seasoned and the rising star, 21-year-old reigning world champion Ojas Deotale emerged victorious over her 34-year-old opponent. Displaying near-flawless precision, Deotale dropped just one point, securing a decisive win with a score of 149-147.
This remarkable performance not only showcases the exceptional talent within India’s archery contingent but also solidifies their position as a dominant force in the international arena of archery. The hat-trick of gold medals by Jyothi and Deotale, along with Aditi’s bronze, will be etched in Indian archery history as a watershed moment.
Their achievements are a testament to their unwavering dedication, skill, and competitive spirit. With this, they have not only left an indelible mark at the Asian Games but also ignited a new wave of inspiration among aspiring archers across the nation.
