Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: In a remarkable achievement, 18-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi made history by securing the gold medal in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship. She achieved this feat by defeating Turkiye’s world No. 1 Oznur Cure Girdi with a score of 146-143 on Saturday.
Sheetal, who establishes herself as the only armless competitor in this tournament, shoots using her feet and chin. This victory marks her third medal at the championships, showcasing her incredible skills and resilience.
Earlier in the championship, she earned a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside teammate Toman Kumar, narrowly defeating Great Britain’s pair of Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen with a score of 152-149. Additionally, in the compound women’s open team final, Sheetal and her partner Sarita secured a silver medal after a close match with Turkey.
The final bout was nothing short of thrilling. In the first end, both competitors ended in a tie at 29 each. However, Sheetal regained momentum in the second end, showcasing her consistency by scoring three 10s and taking an early lead with 30-27. Although the third end also finished tied at 29, a slight dip in her performance in the fourth end brought her score to 28, allowing Girdi to close the gap. Yet, Sheetal maintained a two-point advantage at 116-114.
In a stunning display of composure, Sheetal sealed her historic gold by scoring three perfect arrows for a score of 30 in the final end. Her semifinal match also saw her triumph, where she achieved a commanding 145-140 victory over Jodie Grinham, illustrating her strong form leading into the finals.
This title clash echoed the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, in which Girdi narrowly defeated Sheetal by a mere two points. This time, however, Sheetal reversed the previous outcome, avenging her prior defeat. This victory and her overall performance in Gwangju underscore her immense potential.
In the finals of the open team event, despite a vigorous start that saw Sheetal and Sarita take an early lead of 38-37 against the Turkish team, nerves seemed to undermine their consistency. By the second end, Turkey leveled the contest, demonstrating recovery with a strong showing that included three perfect 10s.
As the competition progressed, the weight of the stakes appeared to affect the Indian duo. They recorded only one 10 alongside two 9s and an 8, totaling 36, while the Turkish archers shot ahead with 37.
The final end was a nerve-wracking conundrum for the Indian duo. They faltered, ultimately scoring 36 including an unfortunate arrow that landed in the 7-ring. This misstep allowed Turkey to secure the gold, ending with a final score of 152-148.
Sheetal Devi’s outstanding performance at the Para World Archery Championship is not just a testament to her talent but also a beacon of inspiration for youth across India. With her remarkable journey and achievements, she stands as a compelling figure in the sports community, showcasing relentless spirit in the face of challenges.
