Sheetal Devi scripted another golden chapter at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Thursday, October 22, winning her second gold medal within hours. The 19-year-old Indian archer defeated Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah 142-139 in the women’s compound individual final after making an impressive comeback from a four-point deficit.
The victory came less than two hours after Sheetal partnered Toman Kumar to win gold in the compound mixed team event at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square in Japan. Her performance further strengthened India’s campaign at the Games and showcased her composure under pressure.
Sheetal Devi Stages Four-Point Comeback
The individual final was a repeat of the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Para Games title clash, where Sheetal had also defeated Alim to claim gold. The Indian archer successfully defended her title, but the contest required a determined fightback.
Alim started strongly and built a four-point advantage after the opening two ends, putting Sheetal under pressure. However, the Indian responded with an exceptional scoring sequence, recording six 10s across the next two ends, including three Xs, which represent arrows landing closest to the centre of the target.
The remarkable run helped Sheetal overturn the deficit and establish a two-point lead heading into the final end.
With the gold medal at stake, Sheetal scored three 9s to finish the final end with 27 points. Alim managed scores of 9, 8 and 9, totalling 26 points in the final end. Sheetal secured the contest 142-139 to add another individual gold to her collection.
Sheetal Devi Continues Her Remarkable Journey
Born without arms, Sheetal has become one of India’s leading para archers. She uses her feet and legs to position her compound bow and relies on her shoulder and jaw to draw and release the string.
The individual gold was her third medal at the ongoing Games. Alongside Thursday’s two gold medals, she had also won silver in the women’s doubles compound event with Odisha’s Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee.
Sheetal enjoyed a similarly successful campaign at the 2022 edition, winning gold in both the individual and mixed team events and silver in the women’s doubles compound competition.
Her latest double-gold performance underlines her consistency on the international stage and adds another memorable milestone to her sporting career.
For more updates, visit the official Asian Para Games 2026 results website.
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