Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: In a groundbreaking achievement, 18-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi clinched the gold medal in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship. She accomplished this remarkable feat by defeating Turkiye’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi with a score of 146-143.
Sheetal stands out as the only armless archer in this prestigious competition, using her feet and chin to shoot. This victory marks her third medal at the championship, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination.
Earlier, Sheetal captured a mixed team bronze medal in the compound event alongside Toman Kumar, winning against Great Britain’s pair of Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen with a score of 152-149. In the women’s open team event, Sheetal and her teammate Sarita lost to Turkey, securing a silver medal.
The individual final was an intense showdown that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The first end ended in a tie at 29 points each, but Sheetal quickly made her move in the second end, hitting three 10s and winning it 30-27.
Despite a slight slip in the fourth end where she scored 28, Sheetal maintained a two-point lead at 116-114. She sealed her first gold medal with an outstanding performance in the final end, shooting three perfect arrows for a score of 30.
Before reaching the final, the talented archer from Jammu and Kashmir decisively won her semifinal against Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham with a score of 145-140. This final matchup served as a rematch from the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where Girdi had narrowly bested her 140-138. This time, sheetal turned the tables in an inspiring display of resilience.
In the open team final, Sheetal and Sarita began their match against the Turkish team strongly. They led after the opening end, scoring 38-37. With three 10s from their first four arrows, the Indian duo seemed poised for victory. However, the Turkish team quickly rebounded, scoring higher in the subsequent rounds.
The duo from Turkey showcased exceptional accuracy, especially in the final end, hitting 39 out of a possible score of 40. Contrastingly, the Indian duo faltered, scoring 36 and concluding the match four points shy of the gold medal.
Sheetal’s victory not only shines a light on her remarkable talent but also uplifts the spirit of Indian archery on a global scale. With her unwavering dedication and prowess, she has set a powerful example for aspiring athletes, showcasing that determination can overcome any obstacle.
The world of sports applauds Sheetal Devi as she rises as a symbol of hope and resilience, proving that champions come in all forms. Her story motivates many, and with her record-breaking achievements, she brings pride to her nation.