New Delhi: 18-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi created history on Saturday by winning the gold medal in the women’s individual compound category at the ongoing World Para Archery Championship. The Jammu and Kashmir-born athlete defeated Turkiye’s world number one Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 in a thrilling final, ESPN reported.
This victory marks Sheetal’s third medal at the Championships. Earlier, she had claimed a mixed team bronze alongside Toman Kumar and defeated Great Britain’s pair Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen 152-149.
“It was a tense match, but I kept my focus and gave it my all,” Sheetal said after the final, adding that her composure made the difference.
Match Highlights
First end: tied at 29-all
Second end: Sheetal scored 30-27, taking an early lead
Third end: tied at 29-all; Sheetal scored 28 while Girdi shot 29, maintaining an overall lead
Final end: Sheetal hit three perfect arrows (30 points) to secure her maiden gold
In the compound women’s open team event, Sheetal and Sarita claimed the silver medal, falling short against Turkey in the gold medal match.
The gold medal also served as redemption for Sheetal, who had narrowly lost to Girdi in the 2023 World Championships (140-138). Last year, she had also won Paralympic bronze in the mixed team category, further cementing her reputation as a rising star in para archery.
Indian Armless Archer Sheetal Devi Wins Gold At World Para Archery Championship
