Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: Eighteen-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi made history by defeating Turkey’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi with a score of 146-143 to secure the gold medal in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship.
Sheetal, the only armless archer in the competition, amazed spectators as she shoots using her feet and chin. This victory marks her third medal at these championships, demonstrating her extraordinary skill and perseverance.
Earlier in the championship, Sheetal clinched a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside Toman Kumar, defeating Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen with a score of 152-149. Additionally, she and Sarita secured a silver medal in the compound women’s open team event after a valiant effort against Turkey.
The individual final set the stage for a thrilling showdown. The first end ended in a tie at 29-all. However, Sheetal fired three ten-point arrows in the second end, establishing an early lead of 30-27.
Despite a minor setback in the fourth end—a score of 28 compared to Girdi’s 29—Sheetal maintained her composure, leading 116-114. With unyielding focus, she closed the contest by hitting three perfect arrows, sealing her maiden gold.
In the semifinals, the Jammu and Kashmir archer displayed a commanding performance, achieving a 145-140 victory over Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham to advance to the final.
This championship also allowed Sheetal to avenge a prior defeat against Girdi at the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where Girdi narrowly outscored her. This historic win not only establishes Sheetal as a champion but also elevates her status in para sports.
In the earlier open team final alongside Sarita, both archer began the contest strongly but ultimately fell short, scoring 148-152 against their Turkish opponents. They kicked off with an impressive start, edging the Turkish duo by one point in the opening end—38-37—after hitting three tens.
However, Turkey rebounded in the second end, featuring three ten-pointers and a nine to level the contest at 76-all. As the match progressed, nerves seemed to impact the Indian duo’s performance, leading them to score only 36 in the third end.
As Turkey ascended to gain a one-point lead, the final end proved decisive. The Turkish archers delivered an almost flawless strike, garnering 39 out of a possible 40, while the Indians faltered slightly, scoring 36. Turkey then secured the gold medal with a four-point margin, concluding a gripping match.
Sheetal Devi’s remarkable achievements at such a young age underscore her dedication and potential within the sport. Her journey from Jammu and Kashmir to a world champion inspires many and highlights the growing prominence of para sports in India.
