In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, the trio composed of V. Jyothi Surekha, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur etched their names in history. Their spectacular performance led India to a resounding 235-229 triumph over the formidable Mexican team, securing India's inaugural gold medal at the prestigious World Archery Championships held in Berlin. Guided by the steady hand of Italian maestro Sergio Pagni, a seasoned two-time champion in World team events, the Indian squad, expertly blending youthful vigour with seasoned wisdom, showcased unwavering consistency. Across all four gripping rounds (59-57, 59-58, 59-57, 58-57), they maintained their poise and precision, ultimately claiming the coveted title.
Right from the outset, the Indians exhibited their prowess, establishing an early two-point lead. This advantage steadily swelled as the contest unfolded, culminating in a final round where they held a comfortable cushion of five points, ultimately securing a six-point victory. The trio – Jyothi, Aditi, and Parneet – delivered an impressive tally of 19 perfect 10s, a feat that outshone their opponents, Dafne Quintero, Ana Sofia Hernandez Jeon, and Andrea Becerra, who managed a total of 14. Amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd, Aditi, a prodigious 17-year-old who currently holds the under-18 World individual and team titles, shared, "Our belief in victory never wavered. We remained committed to our process."
Echoing her sentiments, Parneet, an 18-year-old archery sensation who clinched the 2021 World Under-18 and 2023 World Under-21 team championships, highlighted their unwavering focus despite the distractions. Although the atmosphere was electrifying, she said, "we remained fixated on our target." Beaming with pride, Jyothi Surekha, 27 years of age, expressed, "This golden triumph fills us with immense joy. We're hungry for more, aspiring to claim numerous gold medals for our nation." Jyothi Surekha had previously garnered a trio of silver medals – in the women's individual and team categories, as well as the mixed team event – during the previous edition in Yankton in 2021.
She had also clinched two bronze medals in the women's team and individual events in Den Bosch in 2019, and a silver in the women's team category in Mexico City in 2017. Following an initial round bye, the Indian team outplayed Turkey, Chinese Taipei, and Colombia, solidifying their place in the highly-anticipated final showdown. The triumph marks an unprecedented milestone for Indian archery, as their repertoire of under-21 and under-18 World titles now boasts the addition of a prestigious elite-level World crown.
Final Score:
Event: Compound Women's Team Final
Teams: V. Jyothi Surekha, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur of India take on Dafne Quintero, Ana Sofia Hernandez Jeon, and Andrea Becerra of Mexico in this match.
Result: India won with a final score of 235-229.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
