Anurag Kumar
Ojas Deotale and Jyothi Surekha Vennam entered the Asian Games with opposing objectives. Deotale, competing in his first Asian Games, aimed to increase the weight of his world champion title, whereas Vennam, who was competing in her third Asian Games, sought her first victory at this level. The two compound archers accomplished their objectives in spectacular fashion on a chilly and damp Saturday morning at the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre, concluding the Hangzhou Asiad with three gold medals each while India won all five available compound gold medals.
In order to add silver to India’s tally, veteran Abhishek Verma was defeated by Deotale in an all-India final, whereas 17-year-old world champion Aditi Swami won a bronze medal in the women’s individual compound event. In total, India obtained nine medals during their archery campaign, seven of which were earned in the compound division.
In the individual compound final, Vennam defeated Chaewon So of South Korea 149-145 to earn her third gold medal in Hangzhou. Vennam, whose wind conditions had improved after a couple of difficult days, executed 15 of his possible 150 shots with characteristic composure and accuracy, missing the 10-mark only once. His final score was 140. Except for an initial immaculate series, the Korean committed an error in each subsequent sequence, ultimately finishing with 145.
Vennam reflected on her lengthy delay for success in Asiad: “Waiting is difficult for everyone, and I experienced it firsthand. Having arrived at the happy times, all I want to do is live in the present moment. It is advisable to commemorate the past, as doing so can inspire us to achieve greater heights.
Earlier this week, the 27-year-old multiple Worlds medalist also participated in the gold-winning women’s and mixed teams. She claimed that, in addition to honest effort, positive thinking was the key to her success. Vennam began the year with the conviction that this would be the occasion for her to flourish.
“My mindset began to become more optimistic.” I started the year with the expectation that it would be my year. She said, “I resolved to concentrate more on the positive aspects of life.”
In the interim, Deotale concluded an impressive debut at the Asian Games by defeating his mentor Abhishek Verma 149-147 through an additional exhibition of sublime shooting. Prior to the final, the incumbent world champion described it as a “fun match,” but he maintained his concentration throughout. Both Verma and Deotale completed their opening series with three perfect scores, with Verma reaching nine on his final shot of the subsequent series. Deotale capitalized on the opportunity to close out another perfect series and gain a narrow one-point lead by doing so nervelessly.
He capitalized on that lead with an additional perfect series, despite Verma’s eight-pointer closing the margin to three points. Verma withdrew with two perfect series, whereas Deotale secured the gold medal with tens on all but one occasion; she narrowly missed another perfect 150. Earlier this week, Deotale established a Games record by shooting 150 twice in consecutive matches.
Prior to that, the 21-year-old had won the compound mixed team gold with Vennam. Additionally, he competed on the men’s team alongside gold medalists Abhishek Verma and Prathamesh Jawkar.
“At my first Asian Games, I emerged victorious in all three competitions, securing gold medals.” What else do I require? Deotale gushed, “I feel as though I’m living in a dream,” following the victory.
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Regarding his gold competition with Verma, he stated, “I had anticipated that this would be a cordial contest between us. However, despite the declarations of a friendly match being made numerous times, a certain degree of duress remains. Even though it is ultimately a gold medal, we were certain that India would emerge victorious.
