October 26, 2023
From Resilience to Records: Sheetal Devi’s Unstoppable Journey
In a remarkable display of talent and resilience, armless archer Sheetal Devi has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure not one but two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, the 16-year-old archer stunned the world with her extraordinary skills, using her foot to hold the bow.
Sheetal Devi’s outstanding journey at the Asian Para Games included a gold medal in the women’s individual compound event, making it a hat-trick of medals for her. Earlier in the week, she had clinched a gold in the compound mixed team event and a women’s doubles silver.
What’s even more remarkable is her origin story. Discovered at a remote military camp in Kishtwar and adopted by the Indian Army during her childhood, Sheetal has overcome incredible odds to become a champion in Para archery. Notably, she had previously made history as the first armless woman to win a Para World Archery Championships medal in July.
In a thrilling gold medal match, Sheetal Devi faced off against Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah and emerged victorious with a score of 144-142. Her remarkable achievement is a testament to her determination and skill.
As India’s medal tally continued to swell, Sheetal’s success shone brightly. The country’s shuttlers contributed significantly, securing nine medals. Reigning Paralympic champion shuttler Pramod Bhagat secured a gold medal in the single SL3 category, outplaying compatriot Nitesh Kumar 22-20, 21-19 in the final. His sportsmanship was evident as he congratulated his opponent, acknowledging the tough competior
Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist and IAS officer Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj outperformed his previous performance by winning gold in the SL4 final, while Sukant Kadam added a bronze in the same event. Thulasmathi Murugesan triumphed in the women’s SU5 final, defeating local shuttler Yang Qiuxia with a score of 21-19, 21-19, and Manisha Ramadass secured the bronze medal.
In the men’s doubles SL3-SLF4, Nitesh and Tarun clinched the gold, while Bhagat and Sukant combined their skills to earn the bronze.
Reigning Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar displayed his prowess in the men’s SH6 final, securing a silver medal despite a hard-fought battle against Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai, with a score of 10-21, 21-8, 11-21.
In athletics, Raman Sharma set a new Asian and Games record in the men’s 1500m T38 event with a remarkable time of 4:20.80s. Javelin throwers Pradeep Kumar (25.94m) and Laxit (21.20m) clinched silver and bronze medals in the F54 event, achieving personal bests. Discuss thrower Lakshmi claimed a bronze medal with her personal best effort of 22.55m in the women’s F37.38 final.
In archery, Rakesh Kumar displayed incredible composure by winning a silver medal in the men’s compound event, defeating Iran’s Alisin Manshaezadeh in a shoot-off with a score of 144(10)-144(9).
Sheetal Devi’s historic achievement and the overall success of Indian athletes in the Asian Para Games serve as an inspiration and a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable nature. These athletes have showcased exceptional talent and determination, leaving a legacy of excellence in the world of Para sports. https://www.sportiwe.com/
