India’s para archery sensation, Sheetal Devi, has scripted another chapter of brilliance by storming into the final of the Women’s Compound event at the ongoing World Para Archery Championships.
With a series of commanding yet nail-biting wins, the young archer has proven not only her consistency under pressure but also her growing stature on the global stage. The journey has been far from easy. Each round demanded resilience, focus, and nerves of steel, but Sheetal has handled it all with remarkable maturity. Let’s look at her road to the final. Facing Bangladesh’s Joma Akter in her opening match, Sheetal began her campaign on a strong note. Shooting with rhythm and control, she dominated the contest, winning 147-134.
The match allowed her to settle into the championship atmosphere and showcased her precision early in the tournament. A score of 147 highlighted her ability to hit consistently high, laying the foundation for tougher challenges ahead.
Round of 16 – Surviving a Close Call
In the Round of 16, Sheetal faced a much tougher opponent, Busra Fatma of Turkey. The contest turned into a thriller, with both archers matching each other arrow for arrow. Sheetal held her composure in the decisive stages to clinch a narrow 144-142 victory. This was her first real test, and she passed it by demonstrating that she could withstand pressure when the margins were razor-thin. The quarterfinal brought another formidable opponent in Zhang Lu of China, a nation with a strong tradition in archery. The encounter proved to be one of the closest battles of the championship, with the result coming down to a single point.
Sheetal showed nerves of steel, prevailing 145-144. Matches like these separate champions from contenders, and her ability to edge past Zhang reflected her growing maturity in international competitions.
Semifinal – Taking Down a Veteran
The semifinal pitted Sheetal against Jodie Grinham of Great Britain, a seasoned competitor with years of experience. But Sheetal did not let the occasion overwhelm her. Maintaining a calm and calculated approach, she delivered yet another strong performance, winning 145-140. This five-point margin was her most comfortable win since the opening round and demonstrated that she was peaking at the right moment. With that, she marched into the final, carrying India’s hopes on her shoulders.
The Road Ahead – Title Clash vs Oznur Cure Girdi
The final, scheduled for 27th September at 1:09 PM, will see Sheetal face Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkey. Cure Girdi has also been in top form, and the clash promises to be an electrifying contest between two archers who have fought tooth and nail to reach this stage. For Sheetal, it is not just about chasing gold it is about making history for Indian para archery.
Sheetal Devi’s rise has been nothing short of inspirational. Competing at the highest level of para archery, she embodies resilience and determination. Her ability to maintain composure in crunch situations whether it was the narrow win over Busra Fatma or the one-point thriller against Zhang Lu makes her stand out.
In compound archery, margins are small, and one slip can prove decisive. Sheetal’s journey to the final shows her incredible consistency. Across four matches, she has never dipped below 142, an indication of both her preparation and technical sharpness.
Sheetal Devi’s achievements come at a time when India’s para athletes are increasingly making their mark globally. From athletics to shooting and now archery, Indian para sports are gaining recognition for the depth of talent and the commitment of its athletes. Her run in this championship not only boosts India’s medal hopes but also serves as an inspiration to young athletes, particularly women, who aspire to take up para sports. In a country where cricket often dominates headlines, such performances are vital in expanding the sporting culture.
The World Para Archery Championships are one of the sport’s most prestigious events, and reaching the final itself is a remarkable feat. For Sheetal, regardless of the result in the final, this campaign will be remembered as a breakthrough performance. Yet, given her current form, India will back her to go all the way and bring home the gold. Her journey reflects not just personal excellence but also the growth of India’s support system for para athletes. Investment in training, coaching, and international exposure is beginning to show results. Sheetal’s success is evidence that with the right opportunities, Indian para athletes can match the best in the world.
As Sheetal Devi steps onto the shooting line for the final on 27th September, she carries not just her bow and arrows but also the aspirations of millions back home. Her calmness, determination, and focus have already delivered India memorable moments in this championship. Now, one final hurdle remains.
Win or lose, her journey has already etched her name into the annals of Indian para archery. But if she can hold her nerve once more against Oznur Cure Girdi, India may well be celebrating a new world champion.
