No buzz at Jyothi’s AP suburb despite 3 Asian Games golds

A family album photograph of young Jyothi with her parents

Even as golden girl Jyothi Surekha Vennam, 27, played a major role in India's Ab ki baar, 100 paar run at the Hangzhou Asian Games with three gold medals in compound archery, far away in Tadepalli, a suburb of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, the usual buzz was missing at her newly-purchased flat.

The media was conspicuously absent. Even the neighbours were oblivious to a superstar and her three-star Asian Games feat. Surendra went to the nearby Ganesh temple to give thanks.

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‘It is a big achievement'

"It is a big achievement and we are very happy that she could beat all odds to win the incredible third gold. The media didn't come or call," Surendra told mid-day from Tadepalli.

Choking with emotion, he said, "Do you know this is her 30th gold medal at international events, including World Cup, World Championships and Asian Games? Sadly, there is no recognition for her achievements. She is still an unsung athlete of our country. We are virtually pleading for a Khel Ratna award. Even now, as per the latest notification, she has earned 150 points. When we speak of her achievements, people say compound archery is a non-Olympic sport. This view is rubbish. Jyothi worked very hard to make a mark at the top. She promised us three gold medals this time and she has done it. We are proud parents. We hope she gets justice this year,'' he added.

Financial struggles

Jyothi's parents had to sell land so that she could pursue her career. "Ever since she showed promise at the age of eight, we made it a point to give her all the support. We struggled financially and we sold our land. We could not even purchase a flat. Jyothi took a loan of R70lakh to finally purchase our home,'' revealed Surendra.