Against the odds, Sheetal Devi reigns supreme with double gold at Asian Para Games

The tears came first, the smiles followed. As Sheetal Devi stood victorious once again, the emotions of a remarkable journey spilled over at the Okazaki Central Park Multipurpose Square in Nagoya — the venue for para-archery competitions. They were tears of overcoming adversity, of keeping promises made to herself, her family and coaches, and of seeing a year of relentless hard work culminate in gold. The archer had done it again, returning from the Asian Para Games with two gold medals and a silver.The 19-year-old from J&K’s Loidhar village in Kishtwar district produced a stunning double gold performance on Thursday, retaining her women’s compound individual crown before teaming up with Toman Kumar to clinch the mixed team title. She had already won silver in the women’s compound doubles alongside quadruple amputee Payal Nag on Tuesday.The individual final against Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah was a test of nerve. Trailing 55-59 after the opening two ends, Sheetal faced a four-point deficit against the 41-year-old Singaporean. But the world No. 1 responded with six 10s, including three arrows landing closest to the bull’s-eye, turning the contest around to lead by two points.With gold within reach, she shot three 9s in the final end. Alim needed a strong finish but managed only 26 points to Sheetal’s 27, handing the Indian a 142-139 a second successive individual gold.Earlier, Sheetal and Toman had beaten Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151-148. After establishing a four-point advantage midway through the final, the Indians absorbed Indonesia’s late challenge and held on for gold. Their combined qualification score of 1,402 had also set a world record. “There was some pressure because of the wind. But my coach told me not to worry and just reset for the next end,” she said after her win. “The silver was also good for me. But the gold I won today, I am happy that what I had set to do, I have done,” she added.Born without arms, Sheetal positions her bow with her feet and legs, drawing and releasing the string with her shoulder and jaw. From winning gold at Hangzhou in 2023 to claiming bronze at the Paris Paralympics, her rise has been extraordinary.India celebrated another medal as Swati Chaudhary won the country’s first-ever W1 archery medal, taking silver after losing 4-6 to China’s Cen Mengkan. Swati had led 4-2 before Cen fought back to win.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.