The Indian archery duo of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi made history by clinching a bronze medal in the mixed team compound open event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics on September 2nd. Their thrilling victory, achieved with a narrow score of 156-155 against Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina, marks only the second time India has won a medal in archery at the Paralympics, solidifying their place in the annals of Indian sports history.
The road to the bronze was filled with challenges for Rakesh and Sheetal. Earlier in the day, they faced a heart-wrenching defeat in the semifinals against Iran’s Fatemeh Hemmati and Hadi Nori. The match, which ended in a dramatic shoot-off, was marred by a controversial score revision by the judges that forced the match into a shoot-off. Despite their best efforts, the Indian duo narrowly missed out on advancing to the finals.
However, the setback only fueled their determination. In the bronze medal match, the Indian archers found themselves trailing by a point with just four arrows left to shoot. Demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure, they shot four impressive arrows (10, 9, 10, 10) to reach a total of 155. The Italian team matched their score, setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion.
In a crucial moment, the judge reviewed Sheetal’s final shot, initially scored as a 9, and upgraded it to a 10, ultimately giving India the edge they needed to secure the bronze medal. Coach Kuldeep Vedhwan commended the duo's perseverance, particularly praising 17-year-old Sheetal for her role in this historic win, as she became the first Indian woman to win an archery medal at the Paralympics.
The bronze medal match was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The initial lead from the Italian pair set a tense atmosphere, but Rakesh and Sheetal's focus and skill shone through as they executed their final shots with precision. The emotional highs and lows of the match exemplified the true spirit of sport, where resilience and determination can lead to glorious outcomes.
Earlier in the tournament, the Indian pair demonstrated their formidable skills by defeating Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferellyin and Ken Swagumilang with a convincing score of 154-143 in the quarterfinals. As the top seeds in the mixed compound open event, their dominance was evident as they finished strong, achieving a perfect 40 in the fourth and final end.
The semifinal loss against Iran was undoubtedly difficult for the Indian duo. With the match tied at 152-152, the tension escalated as both teams entered a shoot-off. Despite perfect scores from both archers, the Iranian archer’s arrow landed closer to the bullseye, clinching victory for Iran. The heartache was compounded by the earlier score revision that led to the shoot-off, making it a tough pill to swallow for Rakesh and Sheetal.
The historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics marks a significant achievement not only for Rakesh and Sheetal but also for Indian archery as a whole. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes across the country. Sheetal’s achievement as one of the youngest medalists in India’s Paralympic history highlights the immense potential of young talent in the nation.
As India celebrates this remarkable feat, the future looks bright for para-athletics in the country. The success of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi showcases the dedication and passion that Indian athletes bring to the global stage, fostering hope for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi's bronze medal victory in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the spirit of Indian sports. Their journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, embodies the essence of determination and resilience. As they return home, they carry not only a medal but also the pride of a nation that believes in the power of sports to inspire and unite.
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