Sheetal Devi Wins Gold at World Archery Para Series 2026

Sheetal Devi, a 19-year-old para archer representing India, secured a gold medal in the women’s compound event at the World Archery Para Series Stage 3 on September 9, 2026. Held in Ahmedabad, the tournament provided a stage for Devi to demonstrate the individual skill that is increasingly bringing Indian para sports into the spotlight. Her victory followed a close final match against Aizada Seidan of Kazakhstan. With both athletes tied at 144 points, Devi won the deciding shoot-off, maintaining her composure through the final moments of the competition.

The World Archery Para Series serves as an international platform where athletes with disabilities can showcase their talent. Devi’s win contributed to a broader success for the Indian contingent in Ahmedabad, with the team earning a total of 15 medals, including four gold medals. These results reflect the growing depth of talent within the domestic para sports community and indicate a rise in the support available for these athletes.

Beyond her individual success, Sheetal Devi teamed up with Rakesh Kumar to set a new world record in the mixed team qualification. This performance highlights the technical progress being made in the sport as athletes continue to set higher benchmarks for performance. The achievement is a personal milestone for Devi and serves as a point of reference for other aspiring athletes across the country.

The steady success of competitors like Sheetal Devi brings attention to the requirements of para sports in India. This increased visibility often leads to further investment in specialized coaching, training facilities, and competitive opportunities. As these achievements are recognized, there is a continued focus on building an environment that supports participation and high-level performance for individuals with disabilities.

The outlook for Sheetal Devi and her teammates remains positive as they look toward future events. Competing regularly on the international circuit offers the experience necessary to maintain this momentum and further establish the standing of para sports in India. As awareness of these accomplishments grows, the path for future athletes becomes clearer, regardless of the specific challenges they might encounter.