Nagoya, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi delivered a record-equalling performance at the Para Asian Games, scoring 704 out of 720 in the women’s compound qualification round to match the world record and establish a new Asian benchmark.
The 19-year-old surpassed the previous Asian record of 698 by six points at the competition venue in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, strengthening her position as one of India’s leading medal contenders.
Sheetal’s performance also gave India an encouraging start to its para-archery campaign, with compatriot Payal Nag scoring 675 points to finish joint fifth in the qualification standings.
Payal has established herself on the international circuit, winning gold medals at the 2026 World Archery Para Series in Bangkok. She has also beaten Sheetal in international competition, highlighting the strength of India’s challenge in the women’s compound category.
Sheetal has an impressive record at major international events. She won gold in the women’s compound individual event at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou before securing bronze at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. She has also won a world championship title, further cementing her standing among the leading athletes in para-archery.
Her latest qualification score provides a strong platform for the elimination rounds, with the qualification standings determining seedings for the knockout stages.
With the world record equalled and the Asian record raised, Sheetal will aim to carry her exceptional form into the head-to-head rounds as she pursues another major international title. India will also look to Payal to build on her strong qualification performance and strengthen the country’s medal prospects.
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