India’s mixed team pair of Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam continued their talismanic run to win their second successive gold medal at the Archery World Cup 2023, defeating a formidable Korean team here on Saturday.
The Indian pair had also won the gold medal in the first edition of the World Cup in Antalya. They continued their impressive run in the second leg of Archery World Cup 2023 as well. The Indian pair defeated the top-seeded Korean pair 156-155. The Indian pair and the experienced Korean pair of Kim Jongho and Oh Yoohyun shot identical 39 points in the first three legs. In the fourth and final leg, however, the Korean team came under pressure and could only manage 38 points. While the Indian pair again shot 39 to claim their second successive Archery World Cup 2023 gold medal.
Having made an early exit in the individual section, Jyothi had a perfect start to the final, even as her 20-year-old partner struggled for a perfect 10. Ojas, however, complemented well and brought out his best when Jyothi missed the 10 a couple of times. The duo showed perfect chemistry at the highest level. Locked 117-117 heading into the final end, Jyothi shot a 10 with her final arrow. While a measurement was needed on Oh Yoohyun’s final arrow to confirm the Indians’ victory.
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After winning the Archery World Cup 2023 gold medal, Jyothi said, “Throughout the World Cup, our coordination and shooting process were very good. And in the final too, we focused on our shooting process. World Championships are the most important event for us. And winning the gold medals is a big boost to our confidence. We look to continue the momentum.”
Jyothi has now made a strong start to the 2023 World Cup season with three gold medals including one in the individual section at Antalya leg. While the Vijayawada archer is now dreaming big with the World Archery Championships in Berlin a couple of months away.
