Gwangju (South Korea): Eighteen-year-old Indian armless archer Sheetal Devi created history on Saturday by defeating Turkiye’s world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 to win gold in the women’s compound individual event at the Para World Archery Championships.
The only armless archer in the competition, Sheetal shoots using her feet and chin. This was her third medal of the tournament, having earlier clinched a mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar and a team silver with Sarita in the compound women’s open category.
In the individual final, Sheetal held her nerve in a tense contest. After tying the first end 29-29, she seized the lead with three perfect 10s in the second (30-27). The third end was tied again at 29-29, before Girdi narrowed the gap in the fourth (28-29). But Sheetal sealed the title with a flawless final end, scoring three 10s for 30.
Earlier in the semifinals, the Jammu & Kashmir archer beat Britain’s Jodie Grinham 145-140. The title clash was a rematch of the 2023 Pilsen World Championships, where Girdi had edged Sheetal 140-138. This time, Sheetal turned the tables to avenge that loss.
In the open team final, Sheetal and Sarita had to settle for silver after going down 148-152 to Turkey. The Indians started strongly, edging Girdi and Bursa Fatma Un 38-37 in the first end. But the Turkish duo bounced back, first leveling the match and then edging ahead. Consistent shooting in the last two ends gave Turkey the win by four points.
