Sheetal Devi Defeats World No.1 to Claim Para Archery Gold

A Triumph of Grit and Precision in Gwangju

Eighteen-year-old Sheetal Devi of India has etched her name into the annals of sports history by winning gold in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship held in Gwangju. Facing off against World No. 1 Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkey, Sheetal clinched victory in a nail-biting finale, finishing with a score of 146-143.

What makes her achievement truly extraordinary is that Sheetal is the only armless archer in the competition, demonstrating unmatched mastery by shooting with her feet and chin. This victory marked her third medal at the championship.

Unstoppable Sheetal: Three Medals, One Icon

Bronze in Mixed Team Event

Sheetal’s medal haul began earlier in the event, when she partnered with Toman Kumar to secure bronze in the compound mixed team category. The Indian pair edged past Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen, finishing 152-149 in a thrilling contest.

Silver in Women’s Compound Open Team Event

Teaming up with Sarita, Sheetal also reached the final of the compound women’s open team event. Despite a strong start, the duo narrowly missed the gold, settling for silver after a hard-fought 148-152 loss to Turkey.

The Final Showdown: Sheetal vs. World No.1

A Battle of Nerves and Skill

The individual final was an edge-of-the-seat contest. The first end saw both archers tied at 29-29, but Sheetal surged ahead in the second end with three perfect 10s, winning it 30-27. Although the third end was again level at 29-all, Girdi slightly edged the fourth end 29-28.

However, Sheetal held her composure and a slim two-point lead going into the last round.

Flawless Finish to Seal Gold

The pressure was immense, but the young archer delivered a perfect final end, landing three consecutive 10s to seal the match and capture her maiden individual gold on the world stage.

A Sweet Revenge: Rewriting the Past

Redemption from 2023

This victory also served as poetic justice. In the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, Girdi had narrowly defeated Sheetal 140-138. Two years later, the Indian prodigy turned the tables, overcoming her Turkish rival in the biggest match of her career so far.

Team Event Recap: Highs and Lows

A Promising Start Against Turkey

In the team final, Sheetal and Sarita started off strong, edging ahead of Oznur Cure Girdi and Bursa Fatma Un 38-37 in the opening end. Their early momentum saw three 10s from the first four arrows.

Turkey’s Comeback and India’s Stumble

But the Turkish pair retaliated in the second end with precision shooting to tie the score at 76-all. By the third end, the pressure got to the Indian duo. A few errant shots, including an 8, reduced their lead, while Turkey capitalized to gain a one-point edge.

Final End Falter

In the final round, Girdi and Un were almost flawless with a 39, while the Indians slipped, managing only 36 – including a crucial arrow that landed in the 7-ring. Turkey clinched the gold with a comfortable four-point margin.

Sheetal Devi: More Than an Archer

Sheetal’s triumph in Gwangju is more than a sporting achievement – it is a story of resilience, precision, and unshakable belief. As the only armless archer competing, she shattered limitations, proving that skill and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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