NAGOYA: In a remarkable display of skill, Indian archer Sheetal Devi excelled in the women’s compound qualification round at the Asian Para Games, achieving a score of 704 points out of a maximum of 720, which equals the world record and establishes a new Asian record.
The 19-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir showcased exceptional precision, hitting 57 perfect 10s from her 72 arrows, including 32 Xs, which are shots that land in the innermost scoring zone of the target.
With this performance, the bronze medalist from the Paris Paralympics surpassed the previous Asian record of 698 points by a significant margin, setting a new standard for the continental competition.
The world record of 704 points was previously held by Turkiye’s Oznur Girdi, set during the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Additionally, Sheetal improved her own Asian Para Games record of 680 points, which she set in Hangzhou in 2023 when she won two gold medals (individual and mixed team) and one silver (doubles).
Earlier this year, she had raised the Asian record to 698 points in March before her outstanding qualification-round performance in Nagoya.
Also making her mark was Payal, who debuted at the Asian Games, scoring 675 points in the women’s compound qualification, placing fifth and bolstering India’s chances in both individual and team events.
This quadruple amputee from Odisha gained attention when she defeated Sheetal to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok earlier this year.
The combined total score of Sheetal and Payal put India at the top of the women’s compound team qualification standings with 1,379 points, well ahead of China, which finished second with 1,338 points.
India’s strong showing in the qualifications earned them a direct spot in the semifinals.
The Indian duo will compete against the winner of the quarterfinal match between fifth-seeded Thailand and fourth-seeded Kazakhstan, with a victory securing a place in the medal round.
Sheetal’s record-tying score and Payal’s impressive debut have significantly strengthened India’s campaign as they head into the elimination rounds.
