India’s para-archery sensation Sheetal Devi has done it again! The 19-year-old champion defended her women’s compound individual title at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, producing a remarkable comeback to defeat Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah 142-139.

In a tense final, Sheetal came back from being four points behind to win her second consecutive gold medal, defeating Alim once again, just as she did at the 2023 Games in Hangzhou. 

The victory also took her medal tally at the ongoing Games to three, adding another golden chapter to her inspiring sporting journey.

Four Points Down, But Never Out

The final did not begin in Sheetal’s favour. Alim took control in the opening stages, putting the Indian archer four points behind and threatening to end her reign as champion.

But Sheetal refused to surrender the advantage without a fight. She responded with a spectacular display of accuracy, landing six arrows in the 10-ring across the next two ends. Three of those shots struck the X-ring, the innermost section of the target.

Her remarkable scoring streak turned a four-point deficit into a two-point lead heading into the final end.

With the pressure mounting, Sheetal scored three consecutive 9s with her final arrows, adding 27 points. Alim managed 26 points from her last three shots, allowing the Indian to seal the title with a three-point victory.

It was a stunning turnaround that showcased not only her technical ability but also her composure under pressure.

Two Golds and a Silver for India’s Champion

Sheetal’s individual gold came less than two hours after she had won the compound mixed team title alongside Toman Kumar.

The Indian pair defeated Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151-148 in the final. Earlier, they had set a world record during qualification with a combined score of 1,402 points, surpassing the previous mark by two points.

Sheetal also secured silver in the women’s doubles event, partnering Payal Nag of Odisha, a quadruple amputee.

With two gold medals and one silver, the young archer has emerged as one of India’s standout performers at the Games.

An Extraordinary Journey of Determination

Born with phocomelia, a rare condition that affects limb development, Sheetal Devi has never let challenges hold her back. She uses her feet and legs to position her compound bow and her shoulder and jaw to draw and release the string. 

Through her skill, determination and remarkable comebacks, Sheetal Devi continues to break barriers and inspire aspiring athletes across India.