On August 29, 2024, Indian archer Sheetal Devi made headlines at the Paris Paralympics by nearly breaking the world record in the women’s compound ranking round. The 17-year-old, who competes without upper limbs, achieved an impressive score of 703, just one point shy of setting a new world record. This incredible performance secured her the second position in the ranking round.
Sheetal’s score surpassed the previous ranking round world record of 698, set by Phoebe Pine Paterson of Great Britain earlier in August. However, the world record was ultimately broken by Turkey’s Oznur Cure Girdi, who scored 704. Despite missing the world record by such a narrow margin, Sheetal’s score of 703 remains a personal best and is a testament to her skill and determination.
This achievement is a significant milestone in Sheetal Devi’s career, which has already been marked by numerous accolades. Earlier in 2024, she secured a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic, which helped her qualify for her first Paralympics. Additionally, she has won multiple gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2023 in China and has been ranked No. 1 in the World Para Archery Compound rankings.
As the Paralympics continue, Sheetal Devi’s remarkable performance in the ranking round sets her up as a strong contender in the knockout rounds, where she will face Mariana Zuniga of Chile or Choi Na Mi of Korea. Her journey and accomplishments have inspired many, and her near world-record performance has further solidified her status as one of the top para-archers in the world.
