Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: Eighteen-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi created history by clinching gold in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship, defeating Turkiye’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143. This match occurred on Saturday in Gwangju, marking a significant milestone in her sporting career.
Sheetal, the only armless competitor in this global event, employs her feet and chin to shoot, showcasing incredible skill and adaptability. This victory represents her third medal at this championship, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in archery.
Prior to her individual success, Sheetal won a bronze medal in the mixed team competition alongside partner Toman Kumar, triumphing over Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen 152-149. In the compound women’s open team event, she and her teammate Sarita earned silver after a tough battle against the Turkish team.
The individual finals delivered a suspenseful match, with Sheetal displaying extraordinary consistency and composure. The first end concluded in a tense tie at 29 points. Yet, Sheetal surged ahead in the second end, scoring three perfect 10s to take a 30-27 lead.
The third end was also tightly contested, ending in a tie at 29 points. Although her performance waned slightly in the fourth end with a score of 28, she maintained a narrow lead of 116-114 over Girdi.
In a remarkable display of focus, Sheetal sealed her first gold medal with a perfect final round, firing three flawless arrows, each scoring 10. Her journey through the semifinals featured a strong 145-140 victory against Jodie Grinham, propelling her to the finals.
This gold medal win also served as a personal victory as Sheetal avenged her defeat from the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where Girdi narrowly beat her, 140-138. The triumph in Gwangju signifies not just a medal but a testament to her determination and growth as an athlete.
In the open team final, Sheetal and Sarita initially took an early lead against their Turkish rivals. They scored a narrow 38-37 win in the opening end, demonstrating sharp shooting with three 10s among their first four arrows. However, the Turkish team quickly leveled the score 76-all in the second end, showcasing their competitive spirit with an impressive turnaround.
The momentum fluctuated significantly in the third end, where nerves seemed to affect the Indian duo. They only managed a score of 36, while the Turkish competitors consistently shot 37, taking a one-point lead. In the final half, the Turkish team capitalized on their advantageous position, shooting nearly flawlessly with 39 points.
In contrast, the Indian pair stumbled with a score of 36, including an arrow that landed in the 7-ring, allowing Turkey to secure the gold by four points.
Sheetal Devi’s journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and excellence in sports. As India’s national pride in the archery domain, her achievements continue to inspire many aspiring athletes. With her commendable performance, she has reinforced her standing as a formidable challenger on the international stage.
