Indian star para archer Sheetal Devi was eliminated from the individual women's archery event at the Paris Paralympics during the round of 16 on August 31. Meanwhile, another Indian archer Sarita Kumari suffered defeat against Turkey’s Oznur Girdi Cure in the quarterfinal.
Sheetal Devi eliminated from Paris Paralympics
World no.1 Sheetal's opponent, Mariana Zuniga from Chile, secured a victory, which means Sheetal missed out on the quarter-finals by just one-point. The 22-year-old Zuniga, previously won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. Sheetal lost the match to Zuniga by a total points tally of 138-137.
Sheetal Devi's Narrow Defeat
Sheetal Devi, the 17-year-old Indian archer, narrowly lost to Mariana Zuniga of Chile in the women's compound open category 1/8 elimination round at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite a strong start, Devi was edged out by Zuniga in the final end, scoring 137 points compared to Zuniga's 138.
Devi had arrived in Paris with high hopes, having won gold medals in both the team and individual events at the Asian Para Games. She began the match impressively, scoring 29 points in the first end. However, Zuniga's consistent performance throughout the match, including a hat-trick of 9s in the third end, ultimately proved decisive. The final score was 82-82, with Zuniga prevailing by a single point.
In the fourth end, Zuniga gained an advantage by hitting two consecutive 10s followed by a 9. However, Sheetal responded with a 9 and two 10s of her own, keeping the match tied going into the final three arrows.
Sheetal began the final end with a shaky 8, while Zuniga hit a 9 to take the lead. Devi responded with a 10, but Zuniga matched her, increasing the pressure on the Indian archer. Sheetal's final arrow was an 8, giving Zuniga the opportunity to advance to the next round with an 8 or better. Zuniga successfully delivered, hitting an 8 to secure her victory.
Although eliminated from the individual event, Sheetal Devi's Paralympic journey continues. She will compete in the mixed team event alongside Rakesh Kumar, seeded at the top. Their quarterfinal match is scheduled for September 2.
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