Someone very calm and focused on the field, Vennam admitted her personality complements her game.
“I just go with the flow. I focus on one shot at a time,” said the three-time gold medallist from the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
“I have started to trust myself more over the years. I analyse my shots better and I am like always with the thought of staying positive and never give up.”
The mixed pairing with seasoned Abhishek Verma has been another learning experience for Vennam, who acknowledged the guidance of her senior compatriot.
Despite plentiful of podium finishes including a team gold at the Hyundai World Archery Championships in 2023, Vennam singled out the 2019 world championships bronze medal as the turning point of her career.
“That medal gave me the confidence and belief that I can win individual medal at the biggest stage.”
With fewer competitions in the 2024 calendar due to the Olympic Games, this was an opportunity for compound archers to analyse their game and improve their world rankings. Vennam made the most of it.
The coming year will be much busier, and she feels the strong indoor season will put her in a good stead heading into 2025, a year that will include the World Championships, the Asian Championships, four World Cup stages and a World Cup Final.
A podium finish at the end-of-season grand finale – the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final – being one of Vennam’s main objectives.
“You never know,” she said. “I am keeping my fingers crossed.”
For now, focus is on making the cut at the upcoming Indian selection trials.
