Jyothi Surekha Vennam, the World Championship triple silver medallist won the women’s compound individual gold at the Asian Archery Championships.
Before sealing India’s first gold against Oh Yoohyun with a one-point win (146-145), Jyothi defeated 2015 world champion Kim Yunhee 148-143 in a lopsided semifinal
After the Korean hit the 9-ring in a controversial decision, Jyothi shot one 10 and hit the 9-ring twice, which was enough to land India the first gold medal.
“The arrow was completely missing 10. All Korean coaches went to the target which is not allowed as per rules to put pressure on the judge. As per the World Archery rules, it is a one judge call and cannot be protested,” said an Indian coach in Dhaka.
In three perfect 10s to lead 20-29, Jyothi started in a spectacular fashion drilling. As the experienced Korean shot, two 10s en route to 29, which levelled the scores 58-all, two 9s in the second end meant that the 25-year-old Indian scored 28.
Showing great composure, Jyothi tilted the match in her favour with three 10s from her three arrows in the third set to go ahead 88-86.
With Jyothi holding on to her slender one-point advantage, all eyes were on the final end. Yoohyun missed the ring by millimetres, needing a 10 in the final arrow to take the match to shoot off.
In the mixed pair event, Jyothi had the company of 19-year-old Rishabh Yadav.
The experienced Korean duo of former world champion Kim Yunhee and Choi Younghee stepped up, after being locked 38-all in the opening round, shooting four perfect 10s en route to winning 155-154.
As the Indian pair needed all 10s to square it up, there was an opportunity in the third end when the Koreans shot two 9s. As the Koreans held on to their narrow lead to clinch the gold, they managed three 10s from their four arrows.
