Asian Para Games: Sheetal equals archery world record into final

Sheetal Devi kicked off India’s 2026 Asian Para Games campaign in spectacular fashion on Monday, October 19, equaling the world record in the women’s archery qualifying round in Nagoya. The 19-year-old scored 704 out of a possible 720 points to better her own Asian record and set the tone for India’s campaign.

The Jammu and Kashmir archer produced a near-flawless performance, recording 57 perfect 10s from her 72 arrows, including 32 X’s, which denote shots landing in the innermost scoring zone of the target.

Asian Para Games, October 19: Live Updates

Paris Paralympics bronze medalist Sheetal beat her previous Asian record of 698 by six points. The world record of 704 was set by Oznur Girdi of Turkey at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

The reigning Asian Games champion also bettered her own Asian Para Games record of 680, which she set in Hangzhou in 2023. Sheetal won two gold medals in the singles and mixed team events and a silver in the doubles last year.

She took the Asian record to 698 this March before going even better in Nagoya.

PAYAL NAG MAKES DEBUT

India’s strong start was further boosted by Payal Nag, who finished fifth in the women’s qualifying round with 675 points on her debut at the Asian Para Games.

The quadruple amputee from Odisha came into her own in April this year when she stunned Sheetal on her way to gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok. Her performance in Nagoya boosted India’s prospects in both the individual and team events.

Sheetal and Payal combined to score 1379 points to take India to the top of the women’s composite team standings. China finished second with 1,338 points, leaving India comfortably ahead of the field.

India’s best finish earned the team direct qualification to the semi-finals. The Indian pair will face the winners of the quarter-final between fifth-placed Thailand and fourth-placed Kazakhstan, with the win reaching the medal round.

With Sheetal achieving a world record and Payal making an impressive debut, India made a strong statement in the opening stages of the archery competition in Nagoya.

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