Highlights of Indian Para Archers Sarita Kumari and Sheetal Devi: Achievements and Inspiring Journeys

 

Highlights of Indian Para Archers Sarita Kumari and Sheetal Devi

 

At the Paris Paralympics on Saturday, India's Sheetal Devi and Sarita Kumari were eliminated from the individual women's archery competition. Mariana Zúñiga of Chile defeated Sheetal Devi in the Round of 16, and Sarita Kumari was defeated by Öznur Cure of Turkey in the quarterfinals.

 

Mariana Zúñiga at the Paralympic Archery Competition

The 22-year-old Mariana Zúñiga won a silver medal three years ago in the Paralympics in Tokyo. Sarita Kumari, who was playing well, defeated Eleonora Sarti of Italy 141–135 in her Round of 16 match. However, she would have to contend with Öznur Cure in the quarterfinals. In the Paralympic qualification round, Sheetal Devi beat the current world mark, but Öznur Cure from Turkey finally overtook her.

 

India's Quest for Archery Medals in Paris 2024

India is aiming for their sixth Paralympic medal in Paris in 2024. Originating from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi has become a global celebrity due to her extraordinary talent. Because of an uncommon disorder called phocomelia, which results in undeveloped limbs, she was born without arms. When the Indian Army saw her talent during a military camp in 2019, her life took a positive turn. The Army recognized her potential and extended medical and educational support.

Sheetal Devi and Her Journey to Paralympic Archery Success

Sheetal Devi was considered one of India's best hopes for winning the gold medal in Paris 2024 before the games got underway. Her outstanding performance at the Asian Para Games 2022—where she took home gold in the individual and mixed team competitions and a silver in the women's team competition—was the basis for this expectation. In addition, she took home a silver medal as an individual at the World Archery Para Championships the previous year.

Sarita Kumari's Rise in Paralympic Archery

In the meantime, Sarita Kumari, a paraarcher from Faridabad, Haryana, is regarded as one among India's medal contenders. Her exceptional success in the 2022 Asian Para Games, where she took home gold in the individual and mixed team competitions as well as a silver in the women's team competition, set the stage for this anticipation.

 

India is still optimistic about its chances of winning another gold in the Paralympic archery competition, thanks to athletes like Sarita Kumari and Sheetal Devi leading the way. Many people were inspired by her trip and accomplishments, which also demonstrated the exceptional talent and tenacity of Indian para-archers on the international scene.