Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: Eighteen-year-old Sheetal Devi has etched her name in history by becoming the Para World Archery Champion. She defied all odds at the Para World Archery Championship, defeating Turkiye’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 in a thrilling final on Saturday. The competition took place at Gwangju International Archery Centre, showcasing incredible talent and resilience.
Sheetal, who competes as the only armless archer in this championships, artfully uses her feet and chin to shoot arrows. This championship marked her third medal, highlighting her exceptional skills on the global stage.
Earlier in the tournament, Sheetal teamed up with Toman Kumar to clinch bronze in the mixed team compound event, overcoming Great Britain’s duo Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen 152-149. The pair’s performance displayed impressive synergy and focus, securing India’s position in the medal tally early in the championship.
In the compound women’s open team event, sheetal and her partner Sarita faced a tougher challenge, earning a silver medal after a close-contest final against Turkey, which ended with a score of 150-152.
Throughout the individual final, Sheetal exhibited remarkable composure. Both competitors initially tied at 29 points in the first end. However, Sheetal gained momentum by scoring three 10s in her second end, leading the match with a score of 30-27.
The third end witnessed another tie at 29 all; however, a slight dip in Sheetal’s performance allowed Girdi to pull ahead by one point in the fourth end, leaving Sheetal with a narrow two-point lead at 116-114.
Queensville of courage, Sheetal sealed her first gold medal by scoring a perfect 30 in the final end, showcasing her mastery and precision under pressure.
Notably, this championship serves as a significant turnaround for Sheetal, who faced Girdi in the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where she lost narrowly 140-138. Her victory this time not only avenged her previous defeat but also exemplified her growth as an athlete.
In the open team final, despite a solid start, the Indian archers struggled to maintain their lead against Turkey. They began strong and even led 38-37 in the first end, but nerves kicked in during the later rounds. The final ends saw the Turkish archers outperforming, with Girdi and Un scoring 39 of a possible 40.
In comparison, the Indian duo faltered slightly, recording a score of 36, which allowed Turkey to capture the gold medal with a four-point advantage. Nevertheless, their silver medal provided a boost to India’s medal tally in the championship.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Sheetal’s individual prowess but also underscores the rising prominence of para sports in India. With her resilience and talent, Sheetal Devi is a source of inspiration, proving that with determination and adaptability, one can overcome any challenge.
