Sheetal Devi Narrowly Misses World Record, Secures Second in Archery Ranking Round at Paris Paralympics 2024
New Delhi: India’s armless archer, Sheetal Devi, made a significant mark at the Paris Paralympics 2024, securing the second position in the Women’s Compound Ranking Round. The 17-year-old, the youngest Indian para-athlete to compete in the Paralympics, achieved a personal best score of 703 points. Despite her outstanding performance, she narrowly missed out on the world record, falling just one point short to Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi, who set a new record with 704 points.
Sheetal’s performance was a highlight of the ranking round, where she demonstrated remarkable precision and skill. Out of her 72 arrows, she struck 59 10s and 25 Xs, showcasing her elite level of competition. Her duel with Girdi was intense, with both archers pushing each other to new heights. The previous world record of 698 points, set by Great Britain’s Phoebe Paterson Pine in July, was shattered by Girdi, while Sheetal’s score firmly established her as one of the top competitors in the event.
As she moves forward in the competition, Sheetal will face the winner of the Round of 32 match between Mariana Zuniga of Chile and Choi Na Mi of Korea. Zuniga, a silver medalist in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, and Choi, who finished 18th in the ranking round, are both formidable opponents, but Sheetal’s current form suggests she is ready for the challenge.
In addition to her success in Paris, Sheetal has already made history in 2023, winning a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. She also clinched gold in both the individual compound and mixed team events at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, further solidifying her status as a rising star in para-archery.
As Sheetal continues her journey at the Paris Paralympics, her performances are inspiring not just for their excellence but also for the incredible determination and skill that she brings to the sport. All eyes will be on her as she competes in the upcoming matches, with hopes of securing a historic medal for India.
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