India's Compound Women Take Silver in Madrid, Eye Asian Games Gold

India's compound women's team came home with silver from the Madrid World Cup — their last major tune-up before the Asian Games. Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Vaddichar, and Chikita Taniparthi beat several tough opponents before Colombia got the better of them in the final. Jyothi didn't sugarcoat it: 'We know we were not up to the mark in the final,' she said, but pointed to steady progress across the last two World Cups as reason for optimism.

Coach Jeevanjot Singh Teja — a Dronacharya awardee — credited the blend of Jyothi's international experience and the younger duo's energy. The squad also had help from Dave Cousins, a former world champion and U.S. compound archer, who focused on technical adjustments and pressure management. The team did high-altitude training in Shillaru ahead of Madrid to sharpen breathing control. Teja also noted that sports psychology, strength and conditioning, and physiotherapy have all been added to camp programs in recent years — a shift he says has made a real difference.

Prithika, who took individual bronze in Madrid, said the senior-junior dynamic inside the squad has been a genuine plus. Chikita, competing as part of the national team for the first time, highlighted how the three stayed locked in and kept each other going without much chatter during matches. The Asian Games are next on the calendar, and this group looks ready to push for gold.