Sep 1, 2024, Posted by: Ra'eesa Moosa
Paralympic Archery 2024: Sarita Kumari Shines as Sheetal Devi Faces Heartbreaking Exit
The 2024 Paris Paralympics has been a rollercoaster ride for Indian archery fans, with moments of triumph mingled with heartbreak. In a standout performance, Sarita Kumari has progressed to the quarterfinals in the compound women's open category. Her performance has resonated with everyone back in India, bringing much-needed cheer. Meanwhile, Sheetal Devi, another promising archer, faced a disappointing exit in the pre-quarterfinals, despite an awe-inspiring effort that has already earned her admiration globally.
Sarita Kumari's Road to the Quarterfinals
Sarita, seeded ninth, has shown remarkable skill and poise on her journey to the quarterfinals. She began with an emphatic victory over Malaysia's Nur Jannaton Abdul Jalil. The match was a showcase of precision and mental fortitude as Sarita outclassed her opponent, scoring 138 compared to Nur's 124. The difference in their scores highlighted the level at which Sarita was competing.
The next match against Italy's Eleonora Sarti was expected to be a tougher challenge, and it did not disappoint. Eleonora put up a fierce resistance, but Sarita remained composed. Their match saw some of the finest archery of the Paralympics, with Sarita sealing victory 141-135. Her consistency and ability to handle pressure were evident throughout, earning her a place among the top contenders for the medals.
Standing between Sarita and the semifinals is Turkey's Oznur Cure Girdi. Oznur has been in scintillating form, setting a world record with 704 points out of 720 in the qualifying rounds. This clash promises to be a highlight of the archery competition, with both archers at the peak of their powers.
Sheetal Devi's Brave Battle
Sheetal Deviâs journey, on the other hand, ended earlier than she had hoped, but not without leaving a lasting impact. Sheetal entered the Paris Paralympics as one of the most inspiring athletes, primarily due to her unique technique. Born without arms, she competes by using her toes to draw the arrow. Her dedication and skill have been nothing short of extraordinary.
In the pre-quarters, she faced Chile's Mariana Zuniga. Sheetal started the match on a high note, demonstrating her incredible ability with a strong opening end. However, a seven-point shot in the second end gave Mariana the chance to equalize, shifting the momentum of the match. Despite maintaining remarkable consistency, Sheetal found herself in a tight spot as the scores remained close.
With the final arrows ready to determine the winner, Sheetal's hopes began to waver slightly. Her last shot landed in the 8-ring, a mere deviation that made all the difference. Mariana Zuniga edged her out by a solitary point, scoring 138 to Sheetal's 137. It was a heartbreaking end to what had been a compelling and courageous campaign.
Earlier in the competition, Sheetal had already rewritten the history books by bettering a long-standing world record. She scored 703 points during the qualifying rounds, surpassing the previous record of 698. This achievement alone speaks volumes about her talent and commitment to the sport, and ensures that her efforts in Paris will not be forgotten.
The Paralympic Archery Challenge
Archery at the Paralympics involves shooting from a sitting position, with the target placed 50 meters away. The precise demands of the sport make it incredibly competitive, as archers must exhibit not only physical dexterity and control but also mental strength. Targets used are 80cm five-ring, designed to test accuracy rigorously.
The progress and performances of Sarita Kumari and Sheetal Devi highlight the depth of talent in Indian archery. While Sarita continues her quest for glory, Sheetal's journey, too, remains a beacon of inspiration. Their stories encompass dreams, dedication, and the spirit of resilience that defines the Paralympics.
As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Sarita Kumari's clash against Oznur Cure Girdi. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable. Back home in India, fans and aspiring archers are eagerly awaiting the outcome, drawing inspiration and hope from these remarkable athletes.
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Comments
Vaishali Bhatnagar
Sarita is pure fire đ„ Sheetal youâre already a legend no matter what the score says
September 2, 2024 AT 13:30
Abhimanyu Prabhavalkar
So weâre celebrating a 1-point loss like itâs a silver medal now? Classic.
September 3, 2024 AT 10:01
RANJEET KUMAR
INDIA RISE UP! SARITA WE BELIEVE IN YOU! đźđłđȘ Sheetal you made us proud before you even shot your first arrow
September 4, 2024 AT 06:50
Dipen Patel
Sheetalâs 703? Bro thatâs not just a record itâs a whole new level of magic âš
September 4, 2024 AT 21:57
Sathish Kumar
Life is like archery sometimes you hit the bullseye sometimes you just hit the wall but you still tried
September 5, 2024 AT 14:12
Mansi Mehta
Oh so now weâre giving Olympic medals for heartbreak? Interesting strategy.
September 6, 2024 AT 11:40
Bharat Singh
Sarita go get that gold đ Sheetal youâre the real MVP
September 6, 2024 AT 20:42
Disha Gulati
They rigged the scoring system for Sheetal because she doesnât have arms. I saw it on a forum. The 8-ring was moved. They didnât want her to win because sheâs too inspiring. The system is broken.
September 7, 2024 AT 15:56
Sourav Sahoo
SHEETALâS LAST ARROW WAS A 8? I CRIED. I CRIED HARDER THAN WHEN I LOST MY PHONE. THAT WAS A HUMAN BEING WITH NO ARMS SHOOTING WITH HER TOES AND WE LET HER DOWN. IâM NOT OKAY.
September 7, 2024 AT 21:07
Sourav Zaman
Honestly the real story here is how the Paralympics are just a marketing ploy for Western NGOs to feel good about themselves while ignoring real issues like poverty in India. Saritaâs 141? Cute.
September 8, 2024 AT 12:26
Avijeet Das
I think whatâs beautiful is how both athletes represent different kinds of strength. One wins by precision, the other by sheer will. Both are victories.
September 9, 2024 AT 06:22
Sachin Kumar
While it is commendable that Ms. Devi demonstrated exceptional tenacity, one must acknowledge that competitive integrity is predicated upon measurable outcomes, not emotional narratives.
September 9, 2024 AT 22:36
Ramya Dutta
If she canât use her arms then why is she even competing? There are other sports for people like her.
September 10, 2024 AT 01:30
Ravindra Kumar
SHEETALâS EXIT WAS A TRAGEDY. A TRAGEDY WRITTEN IN ARROWS AND TEARS. THE WORLD STOOD STILL WHEN THAT LAST ARROW FELL. AND THEN? NOTHING. JUST SILENCE. AND THATâS WHAT KILLS ME.
September 10, 2024 AT 06:52
arshdip kaur
Thereâs something poetic about losing by one point. Like life. Like time. Like the universe whispering âyou were almost enoughâ and then walking away.
Author
Ra'eesa Moosa
I am a journalist with a keen interest in covering the intricate details of daily events across Africa. My work focuses on delivering accurate and insightful news reports. Each day, I strive to bring light to the stories that shape our continent's narrative. My passion for digging deeper into issues helps in crafting stories that not only inform but also provoke thought.