Sheetal Devi and Sarita Kumari Paris Paralympics 2024 Latest Updates: Sheetal had come within touching distance of claiming the world record in qualification a few days back at Paris 2024.
Indian para archers Sheetal Devi and Sarita Kumari Highlights: India’s Sheetal Devi and Sarita Kumari were eliminated from the individual women’s archery event at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday. While Sheetal Devi was ousted by Chile’s Mariana Zuniga in the round of 16, Sarita Kumari lost to Turkey’s Oznur Girdi Cure in the quarters.
The 22-year-old Zuniga is a silver medallist from the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. The in-form Sarita defeated Italy’s Eleonora Sarti 141-135 in their round of 16 encounter, but ran into Cure in the quarters. In the qualification round at the Paralympics, Sheetal Devi had gone past the existing world record, but was beaten to the record by Turkey’s Oznur Girdi Cure.
India are looking for its sixth medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Hailing from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi captured the world’s attention with her extraordinary talent. She was born without arms due to a condition called Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes under-developed limbs. Her fortunes changed in 2019 when she was discovered by the Indian Army at a military camp. Recognising her potential, the army provided educational support and medical care.
Before the start of the Paris Paralympics, Sheetal was considered to be among India’s strongest contenders to win a gold medal at Paris 2024 after her exploits at Asian Para Games 2022 (held last year) where she won gold medals in individual and mixed team events besides a silver medal in the women’s team event. She also claimed an individual silver medal at the World Archery Para Championship last year.
Meanwhile, Sarita Kumari hails from Faridabad, Haryana. Sarita is also one of India’s medal hopefuls in para archery, particularly after she won silver medal in the women’s team event at the Asian Para Games last year. She also claimed a gold medal in the mixed team event and a bronze in the women’s team event at last year’s World Archery Para Championship
Sarita Kumari Paris Paralympics 2024 Live: Sarita Kumari eliminated
So Sarita Kumari follows Sheetal Devi. Both Indian archers eliminated.
Sarita Kumari lost to Turkey’s Oznur Girdi Cure, who had set the world record ahead of Sheetal in qualification.
Sarita was trailing from the second arrow in the first end and never really recovered. She did, however, do remarkably well to claw her way back after she was trailing by five points (58-53) in the second end.
Sarita shot 29 in the third end and 30 in the fourth. In fact, Sarita shot six of her final nine arrows in the 10 ring, including three that hit the X. But it wasn’t to be. Oznur Girdi Cure was shooting at a completely different level.
Sheetal Devi Paris Paralympics 2024 Live: Appreciation post for Sheetal Devi
Competing in her first Paralympics.
Competing against a Paralympics silver medallist from three years ago.
Trailing by a single point with just two arrows left.
