Compound Archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam Writes to Sports Ministry for Khel Ratna Award Consideration

New Delhi: In a bid to push her credentials for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Indian compound archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam has written a letter to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

The 28-year-old archer, who represented India in numerous international events, including the Olympics and Asian Games, has been overlooked for the award despite her impressive track record. She has won numerous gold medals, including a historic hat-trick of individual titles at recent World Cup Stage I in Shanghai this year.

In her letter to Minister Mandaviya, Surekha Vennam highlighted her achievements over the last four years, which have earned her 132 points under the award's criteria. The archer pointed out that settings and nominations for the award are usually made after the four-year period, adding that she has filed writs challenging government decisions.

Her case gains significance on the heels of controversy surrounding double-Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker’s omission from the recommended list by a 12-member committee formed by the Sports Ministry. Vennam's letter follows after AP HC asked the Sports Ministry to reconsider a decision regarding award.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam is an Arjuna Awardee in Archery