MP Gurumurthy Flags Archer Jyothi Surekha’s Omission from Khel Ratna List
She has gone on to win medals in eight consecutive Asian Archery Championships from 2011 to 2025.
Tirupati: Tirupati MP Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy has urged the centre to review the selection process for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, stating that injustice has been done to AP’s ace compound archer Jyothi Surekha Vennam.
In a letter to Youth Affairs and Sports ministry joint secretary (Policy) Dr. Shobit Jain, the MP expressed concern over the continued omission of the archer from the annual Khel Ratna list despite her long and consistent international career.
Gurumurthy pointed out that Jyothi Surekha has represented India for more than a decade and has won over 90 international medals in World Cups, World Championships and Asian championships. She has gone on to win medals in eight consecutive Asian Archery Championships from 2011 to 2025.
The MP maintained that the archer’s achievements clearly place her among the top compound archers in the world.
In this regard, the MP underlined that Jyothi Surekha is already an Arjuna Award recipient. He said ignoring an athlete with such credentials raises questions about transparency and fairness in the Khel Ratna selection process. He warned that such decisions could affect the confidence of young athletes who look up to national awards for recognition.
Gurumurthy went on to request the centre to review the Khel Ratna selection process and ensure that deserving athletes receive fair recognition based on their achievements.