14-year-old Kang Yeon-seo stuns defending champion Jyothi Surekha at Asian Games

Kang Yeon-seo, a 14-year-old South Korean archer, defeated defending champion Jyothi Surekha Vennam in the Women's Compound individual at the Asian Games on September 28, 2026, eliminating the title-holder from the competition.

Kang made her Asian Games debut in the match against Jyothi, who had been expected to lead India's medal challenge in archery. Born on November 1, 2011, Kang became the youngest archer ever selected for South Korea’s national team, lowering the previous benchmark by three years. That prior record was held by Kim Je-deok, who was 17 when he represented South Korea at the Tokyo Olympics and won two gold medals. After her selection for the Asian Games, Kang said, "I still can't believe it. It feels like a dream. I didn't even know I was the first middle school student; I focused only on each shot in every match," as quoted by Chosun.

In the head-to-head, Kang produced a flawless performance in the match by scoring a perfect 150 and setting an Asian Games record. She put early pressure on the defending champion when Jyothi managed just 27 in the opening series. Although Jyothi produced a perfect second series, Kang matched her with three tens to preserve a lead, and Jyothi then faltered with a nine on her final arrow in the third series. Kang maintained composure as Jyothi attempted a comeback and ultimately sent the defending champion out of the event, raising the hopes of Korea for an individual medal.

Kang carried strong form into the tournament after finishing fourth in the ranking round with 701 points. Her scores contributed to South Korea posting 2,096 points in the women's team competition, a total that placed Korea third behind China and India, who both recorded 2,099.

Earlier in the elimination rounds, Kang beat Mongolia’s Otgonbayar Dagdzhav 150-133 in the Round of 32. She followed that with another victory to secure her place in the Round of 16 and keep her gold-medal hopes alive.

With Jyothi Vennam eliminated, Kang advances to the Round of 16 in the Women's Compound individual, where she will continue her bid for an individual medal.