- Sheetal Devi scores 703/720, surpassing the previous world record in the compound ranking round.
- Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi sets a new world record with a score of 704, edging out Sheetal.
- Sheetal, shooting with her legs, earns a bye into the round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archer competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, delivered a stunning performance in the women’s individual compound open ranking round, scoring 703 out of 720.
This score was enough to break the previous world record, but Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi narrowly surpassed her with a score of 704, setting a new world record.
Sheetal Devi’s Record-Breaking Paralympic Debut: A Close Call for the World Record
Born without arms, Sheetal shoots using her legs, making her performance even more extraordinary. Her consistent excellence is evident as she continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Sheetal’s Paralympic debut has not only set the stage for her future in the competition but has also inspired countless others with her determination and skill. India’s Sarita also performed well, finishing ninth with a score of 682 in the same event.
The 17-year-old Indian archer, born without arms, has mastered the art of shooting using her legs, an incredible feat that has caught the attention of the global sports community. Her entry into the round of 16, bypassing the round of 32, marks her as one of the top contenders in the competition. Her performance is particularly impressive given that she has broken the world record twice within the same month, highlighting her rapid rise in the sport.
India’s presence at the Paralympics was further solidified by Sarita, who finished ninth in the same event with a score of 682, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian archery. Meanwhile, in the men’s individual recurve open ranking round, Harvinder Singh, a Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist, finished ninth with a score of 637, while France’s Guillaume Toucoullet set a new Paralympic record with 652 points.
Sheetal’s achievements extend beyond her scores; she is also the first armless woman to win a Para World Archery Championships medal, a milestone she reached last year. Her journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympics has been marked by determination, skill, and an unyielding spirit, making her a powerful symbol of resilience and inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Sheetal Devi’s debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. Her near-record-breaking performance not only establishes her as a leading competitor but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes around the world, demonstrating that barriers can be overcome with dedication and perseverance.
“With determination and the right mindset, there are no limits to what you can achieve.”
