New Delhi, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Triple gold medallist from the 2022 Asian Games, Jyothi Surekha Vennam is determined to keep the focus on her own performance rather than scores or results as she prepares for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, beginning September 19.
Jyothi will be a key member of India’s new-look archery squad, with several established names, including husband-and-wife pair Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, Abhishek Verma and Ojas Pravin Deotale, set to miss the continental event.
The compound archer has won medals at each of her previous three Asian Games. She claimed a bronze and a silver in 2014 and 2018 before producing a stellar performance at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she won three gold medals in the individual, team and mixed events.
Approaching her fourth Asiad, Jyothi said she does not want the pressure of past success to affect her preparations.
“The preparation is really good. We are working really hard as a team and are fully focused on giving our best at the Asian Games this time too,” Jyothi told IANS.
“Right now, my entire focus is on myself, on performing my best at the Asian Games and not chasing scores or results. I know that if I have confidence in myself and execute my shot really well, I’ll get really great scores,” she added.
Jyothi will form part of a new-look women’s compound team alongside Parneet Kaur, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep. She said the team has steadily developed a strong understanding since the Asian Games selection was completed in May.
“We have improved up to now in terms of gelling together. We have a bond between us and we are there for each other, no matter what the situation is, to support each other. We are there to fight till our very last arrow at the Games,” she said.
With compound archery set to make its Olympic debut, Jyothi is also viewed as one of India’s leading contenders for Los Angeles 2028, although the qualification process is yet to be confirmed.
However, the 30-year-old does not want to look too far ahead.
“I know, in the back of my mind, we have the Olympics as a target from here, but for me, I just want to live in that moment and give my best at that point in time,” she said.
“I don’t want to have any kind of regret that I could have done things in a better way or in another way. So, for me right now, it is just to be in that moment,” Jyothi concluded.
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