Chenabi Sheetal Devi Wins Historic Gold at Para World Archery Championships

Gwangju, September 27 — Chenabi Sheetal Devi from the Chenab Valley claimed gold in the women’s compound individual event at the Para World Archery Championships, defeating Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi 146-143 in a closely contested final on Saturday. This victory marks India’s first individual world title in the category and completes Sheetal’s triple medal haul at the event, according to details received by The Chenab Times.

The 18-year-old armless archer from Chenab Valley’s Kishtwar district, who shoots with her legs, earlier secured a silver medal in the women’s compound open team event alongside Sarita Beniwal and a bronze in the mixed team with Tomar Kumar. In the individual final, the first end ended in a 29-29 tie, but Sheetal took the lead in the second end with a perfect 30-27 score, including three 10s. The third end was tied again at 29-29, and she lost the fourth by one point but held a 116-114 advantage before closing with another flawless 30 in the final end, as reported by PTI.

The match was a rematch of the 2023 Pilsen World Championships final, where Girdi had edged Sheetal 140-138 for gold. Sheetal advanced to the final after a 145-140 semifinal win over Britain’s Jodie Grinham.

In the team final, Sheetal and Sarita started strongly, winning the first end 38-37 against Girdi and Bursa Fatma Un of Turkey. The second end leveled the score at 76-76, but India scored only 36 in the third compared to Turkey’s 37. Turkey sealed the win 152-148 with a near-perfect 39 in the fourth end.

Sheetal’s performance underscores India’s growing prowess in para-archery, with the country also earning gold in the men’s compound individual through Tomar Kumar’s win over compatriot Rakesh Kumar.

Follow us on

News Desk CT

The Chenab Times News Desk