New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India’s Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar secured the gold medal in the compound mixed team archery event at the Asian Para Games on Thursday, defeating Indonesia 151-148 in the final.
The Indian pair, who entered the competition as the top seeds, maintained their advantage across all four ends to seal the title. Their victory followed a record-breaking performance in the qualification round, where they surpassed the existing world record.
Facing Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang, Sheetal and Toman made a strong start, taking a narrow 38-37 lead in the opening end. They then widened the gap in the second end, scoring 39 points to move ahead 77-73.
Indonesia managed to reduce the deficit slightly in the third end, winning it by a single point. However, the Indian archers held on to a three-point advantage heading into the final stage.
Both teams scored 38 points in the last end, leaving India with a final margin of three points and confirming the gold medal.
World-record qualification sets up India’s triumph
The gold-medal performance capped an impressive outing for the Indian duo. During qualification, Sheetal and Toman combined for 1,402 points, improving the previous world record by two points.
Their consistency carried into the final, where they maintained their composure despite Indonesia’s attempts to close the gap. The pair’s ability to sustain a lead through the contest proved decisive in securing the title.
Sheetal Devi continues to make her mark
Sheetal’s achievement holds particular significance given the distinctive technique she uses to compete. Born without arms, the Indian archer manoeuvres her compound bow with her feet and legs, using her shoulder and jaw to draw and release the bowstring.
Her performances have brought attention to the skill, precision and determination required in para archery. Partnering with Toman, she added another major achievement to India’s campaign at the continental competition.
The victory gave India a gold medal in the compound mixed team event and highlighted the pair’s ability to translate their record-setting qualification performance into success on the biggest stage of the tournament.
