NAGOYA, OCT 19: India’s para-archery star Sheetal Devi delivered a sensational performance at the Asian Para Games on Monday, equalling the world record with 704 points out of a possible 720 in the women’s compound qualification round.
The 19-year-old archer from Jammu and Kashmir also established a new Asian record, surpassing the previous continental mark of 698 points by six points. Her remarkable performance strengthened India’s medal prospects in the competition.
Sheetal, a bronze medallist at the Paris Paralympics, displayed exceptional precision and consistency, recording 57 perfect 10s from 72 arrows, including 32 Xs, which represent shots landing in the innermost scoring zone of the target.
The world record of 704 points was previously set by Türkiye’s Oznur Girdi at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The reigning Asian Games champion also bettered her own Asian Para Games record of 680 points, achieved at Hangzhou in 2023. At that edition, she won two gold medals in the individual and mixed-team events and a silver in doubles.
Sheetal had improved the Asian record to 698 points in March this year before producing another outstanding performance in Nagoya.
Payal Impresses on Asian Games Debut
India’s Payal also made an impressive start to her Asian Games campaign, scoring 675 points to finish fifth in the women’s compound qualification round.
The quadruple amputee from Odisha has emerged as a promising name in para-archery. She grabbed attention in April this year by defeating Sheetal to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok.
India Secures Direct Semifinal Entry
The combined efforts of Sheetal and Payal helped India finish at the top of the women’s compound team qualification standings with a total of 1,379 points.
China finished second with 1,338 points, trailing India by 41 points.
With their top qualification position, the Indian team secured direct entry into the semifinals. Sheetal and Payal are set to face the winner of the quarterfinal between fifth-seeded Thailand and fourth-seeded Kazakhstan.
A victory in the semifinal would take India into the medal round and bring the pair closer to another major international achievement.
Sheetal’s world record-equalling performance and Payal’s impressive debut have given India a strong foundation as the archery competition moves into the elimination stages.
