In a thrilling championship showdown at the 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup’s first stop in Central Florida, Taiwanese archers Chen Chieh-lun (陳界綸) and Huang I-jou (黃逸柔) clinched a silver medal in the compound mixed team event, narrowly falling 151-153 to India’s formidable duo Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav. The result reflects not only Taiwan’s consistent presence in the upper echelons of world archery but also the rising dominance of Asian nations in compound archery.
🔍 The Match Breakdown: Point-by-Point Drama
The compound mixed team event employs a cumulative scoring system, meaning each of the four sets contributes to the final total score, unlike the set point system used in recurve events. Each team has 80 seconds per set to shoot four arrows—two from each archer.
- Set 1: Taiwan opened strong with a narrow edge at 38-37.
- Set 2: Taiwan extended their lead to 39-38, bringing the total to 77-75.
- Set 3: India edged Taiwan 39-38, but Taiwan still held a 115-114 lead.
- Set 4: Taiwan faltered slightly, scoring just 36 to India’s 39. A surprise 8-point shot from Huang I-jou proved pivotal.
Despite a commanding start and consistent performance, that final set shift led to Taiwan’s narrow 151-153 loss.
🇮🇳 India’s Strength: A Reflection of Experience
India’s Vennam, a three-time gold medalist at the 2022 Asian Games, showed her championship pedigree. Her ability to remain composed under pressure complemented Yadav’s strong shooting to deliver India’s comeback.
🏹 Taiwan’s Bright Future in Compound Archery
While the result was heartbreaking, it highlights Taiwan’s rise in compound archery—an event where the country hasn’t traditionally been a medal powerhouse. Chen Chieh-lun has been making a name for himself internationally, and Huang I-jou, despite her crucial 8-point misfire, has shown great potential and mental strength throughout the competition.
With compound archery set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028—including the mixed team event—this experience adds vital preparation for Taiwan’s Olympic ambitions.
🔜 What’s Next: Chen in the Individual Semifinals
Taiwanese hopes remain high as Chen Chieh-lun advances to face Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton in the men’s individual compound semifinals. Fullerton is known for his silver medal win in the mixed team event at the 2023 World Archery Championships, promising a competitive match.
❓ FAQs
What is compound archery and how is it different from recurve?
Compound archery uses a system of pulleys and cams that reduce the holding weight, allowing for more precision and less strain on the archer. Unlike recurve, it typically uses a cumulative scoring system instead of set points.
Why is this silver medal significant for Taiwan?
Taiwan has traditionally been stronger in recurve archery. This silver medal showcases its growth and competitiveness in compound events, which are gaining Olympic status in 2028.
Who are Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Rishabh Yadav?
They are India’s top compound archers. Vennam is a highly decorated athlete, having won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games. Yadav is a rising talent contributing to India’s global success in the sport.
What does this mean for Taiwan’s chances in the 2028 Olympics?
With compound archery debuting at the LA 2028 Olympics, Taiwan’s performance here serves as a strong indicator of future success. Continued investment and international experience will be key.
When is Chen Chieh-lun’s next match?
Chen will face Mathias Fullerton of Denmark in the men’s individual semifinals in the ongoing 2025 Archery World Cup series.
