Asian Games | Parents of triple gold-winning archer Jyothi Surekha say her focus is her strength

V. Jyothi Surekha, World No. 4 archer, made nation proud w/ rare treble of gold medals at Asian Games. Despite lack of recognition, her parents encouraged her to continue. She won team gold, individual bronze in World Championship & individual gold & mixed team gold in World Cup Stage I. Her parents are proud of her focus & determination. Andhra Pradesh Govt. will award ₹30 lakhs for each gold medal she wins. Parents offer prayers at 3 temples in Vijayawada for her success.

Not long ago, V. Jyothi Surekha — who has made the nation proud with a rare treble of gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Games — had considered quitting the sport. She was disheartened by the lack of recognition she felt was due.

But, thanks to her parents, V. Surendra Kumar and Sri Durga, Surekha decided to have another go in the circuit this year, including the Asian Games, and make a point to her critics.

For the record, World No. 4 Surekha, an engineer and MBA graduate, won the team gold and individual bronze in the World championship and individual gold and mixed team gold in the World Cup Stage I this year.

“She was terribly disappointed when she did not get the Khel Ratna Award despite being a strong contender for two consecutive years,” her father said. “There is no doubt, we are thankful to the Sports Authority of India for the excellent support system for her training and exposure,” he said.

But, it has been a remarkable journey that began at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, Vijayawada, when she was just 12, under the tutelage of Rama Rao of Railways.

“She was into swimming first. But, we thought she may not make it big in the sport, so we shifted her to archery. Shooting was also an option then,” recalled a proud Surendra.

At 15, Surekha represented India in the Asian championship and won a bronze.