Gwangju (South Korea), Sep 27: Eighteen-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi made headlines by defeating Turkiye’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 to secure the women’s compound individual gold at the Para World Archery Championship held on Saturday.
Sheetal, the only armless archer in the competition, showcased exceptional skill by shooting with her feet and chin. This gold medal marked her third medal of the championships.
Earlier, she won a bronze in the mixed team compound event with partner Toman Kumar, where they triumphed over Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen with a score of 152-149. However, in the compound women’s open team event, Sheetal and teammate Sarita faced Turkey in the finals, settling for silver.
The individual final was a thrilling contest, with both archers showcasing their prowess. After the first end ended in a tie at 29-all, Sheetal fired a remarkable three 10s in the second end, taking an early lead with a score of 30-27. The subsequent end also ended tied at 29, but a slight lapse in the fourth saw Sheetal score 28. Despite this, she maintained a two-point lead at 116-114.
Determined to clinch her maiden gold, she delivered a flawless performance in the final end, scoring a perfect 30 with three impeccable arrows.
Before the finals, the Jammu and Kashmir archer dominated her semifinal match, beating Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham 145-140 to secure her place in the title clash. Notably, this final rematch mirrored their previous encounter at the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where Girdi edged past Sheetal with a narrow margin of 140-138. This time, Sheetal turned the tables, avenging her earlier defeat.
In the open team final, Sheetal and Sarita began with a strong performance, narrowly leading against Turkish archers Oznur Cure Girdi and Bursa Fatma Un with a score of 38-37 in the opening end.
Displaying skill, the Indian duo shot three 10s from their first four arrows, while Turkey managed only one 10. However, the Turkish contingent retaliated in the second end, hitting three 10s and a nine to level the scores at 76-all.
As the competition progressed, the Indian team faced challenges. The third end proved pivotal, with nerves affecting their performance. They managed only one 10 along with two 9s and an 8, totalling 36, while Turkey shot 37, regaining a narrow lead.
In the final end, Girdi and Un dominated the scoreboard, netting an impressive 39 out of a possible 40. In contrast, the Indian pair faltered, scoring just 36, which included an arrow that landed in the 7-ring, allowing Turkey to win the gold with a four-point margin.
Sheetal Devi’s achievements at this championship not only highlight her skill but also signify a remarkable moment for Indian archery on the international stage. She now stands as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes in the country.
