Okazaki, September 30 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam has praised her team’s fighting spirit after India successfully defended their women’s compound archery team title at the Asian Games, saying the trio remained self-motivated and encouraged one another to give their best until the very end.
The Indian team, comprising Jyothi, Prithika Pradeep and Chikitha Taniparthi, defeated China 238-234 in the final at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Wednesday to retain the gold medal.
“I am very happy that today we gave our best performance and were able to win a gold medal for India… We were just self-motivated and were motivating each other that whatever happens, no matter what, we just have to give our best and fight till the very end,” Jyothi told IANS after the victory.
Teammate Prithika said the win had given her a significant confidence boost despite the pressure of competing in a final.
“It is good. Gained a lot of confidence from this win… There is pressure, but I just thought that I would take my shot and give my best. We have won this medal for India,” she said.
India had won silver in the event in 2018 and bronze in 2014. The latest victory marked the country’s seventh gold medal at the ongoing edition of the continental sporting event. India’s overall tally stood at 53 medals, comprising seven gold, 21 silver and 25 bronze.
The Indian trio had defeated South Korea in the semifinal before overcoming China in the final with a score of 238, matching the world-record mark set by the South Korean team at the 2014 Incheon Games.
India began the final strongly, taking a 30-28 lead in the opening end and extending their advantage to three points in the second end, despite Chikitha scoring a nine in the first rotation. Prithika and Jyothi maintained their consistency, hitting 10s throughout.
Both teams opened the first rotation of the second end with a nine and two 10s each. China then scored two 10s and a nine in the next three arrows, while all three Indian archers hit 10s to extend India’s lead to 119-116.
China opened the third end with a series of perfect 10s. India responded with a nine from Chikitha, followed by 10s from Prithika and Jyothi, maintaining their advantage. China scored a nine before adding two 10s in the second rotation, while India responded with three 10s to hold a 178-175 lead.
In the final end, China began with two nines and a 10. India answered with three perfect 10s. China then hit three consecutive 10s to keep the pressure on the Indian team, but the Indian trio maintained their composure and finished with a perfect series of 10s to seal the 238-234 victory and successfully defend their title.
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