NewKerala.com

Key Points

Sheetal Devi has made history by winning the gold medal in the women's individual compound event. She achieved this by defeating the world number one archer from Turkey in a thrilling final. This victory was especially sweet as it avenged her loss to the same opponent last year. The young athlete from Jammu and Kashmir has now won three medals at this championship.

Key Points: Sheetal Devi Wins World Para Archery Gold Medal Against Top Rival

  • Sheetal Devi defeated world number one Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 in a tense final
  • This victory marked redemption after losing to Girdi in the 2023 World Championship final
  • The 18-year-old armless archer also won a mixed team bronze and a women's team silver
  • She displayed remarkable composure, firing three perfect tens to seal the historic win
2 min read

World Para Archery C'ship: Sheetal Devi seals women's individual compound gold

Armless archer Sheetal Devi makes history, clinching the women's individual compound gold at the World Para Archery Championship by defeating world number one Oznur Cure Girdi.

"With three perfect arrow hits to score 30, Sheetal secured her maiden gold medal. - ESPN"

Gwangju, September 27

The 18-year-old Indian armless archery wonder, Sheetal Devi, made history by bagging the gold medal in the women's individual compound archery category at the ongoing World Para Archery Championship on Saturday.

Sheetal defeated Turkiye's world number one Oznur Cure Girdi by 146-143 in the gold medal clash, as per ESPN.

This is her third medal at the Championships, having earlier won the mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar and beating Great Britain's pair of Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen 152-149.

In the compound women's open team event, Sheetal and Sarita secured the silver medal after losing to Turkey in the gold medal clash.

Coming to her individual final, it was a tense match, Sheetal's consistency and composure turned out to be the different. The first end was tied 29-all, but Sheetal fired three tens in the second end, to take an early lead of 30-27.

The third end was also tied at 29-all and Sheetal experienced a lapse towards the end, scoring 28 points and Girdi shot 29, but Sheetal still had the overall lead by 116-114.

With three perfect arrow hits to score 30, Sheetal secured her maiden gold medal.

In the semifinal, this star archer from Jammu and Kashmir, who also won the Paralympics bronze medal last year in the mixed team category, produced a flawless display to secure a 145-140 win over Great Britain's Jodie Grinham to reach the final.

The title clash marked Sheetal's redemption as back in 2023 World Championships, it was Girdi who had edged out Sheetal for a gold by 140-138, but this time, Sheetal took home the top prize.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
From Jammu & Kashmir to world champion! Her journey is remarkable. The way she maintained composure in the final end with three perfect shots shows incredible mental strength. More power to her!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows para sports closely, I must say Sheetal's technique is revolutionary. Using her feet with such precision is something the world has never seen before. Historic achievement indeed!
A
Arjun K
Three medals in one championship! Gold in individual, silver in team, bronze in mixed. This is complete dominance. Hope our media gives her the coverage she deserves, not just cricket stars.
M
Michael C
The redemption story against Girdi is particularly impressive. Losing last year and coming back stronger shows true champion mentality. India's para-athletes are consistently outperforming expectations.
N
Neha E
While this is fantastic news, I wish our government would provide better infrastructure and support for para-athletes. Sheetal's success despite challenges shows what proper support could achieve.
V
Vikram M
At just 18 years old, she's already a world champion and Paralympic medalist. The future is incredibly bright for Indian para sports. Jai Hind! 🏹🥇

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50