Reigning world champion Sheetal Devi has confirmed a medal for India by storming into the women’s compound individual final on the third day of the stage three of World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad today.
In an all-Indian semifinal, the armless archer from Jammu defeated Sarita 145-143 to book her place in the gold medal clash. She will face Aizada Seidan of Kazakhstan in the final.
Sarita will also have another opportunity to add to India’s medal tally when she will take on Wang Huiting of China in the bronze medal match.
The women’s compound event thus gave India one confirmed medal and another still in the hunt, with world number one Sheetal eyeing the top podium finish.
In the W1 women’s section, second-seeded Indian Swati Chaudhary set to fight for the bronze medal. Swati lost to sixth seed Liu Jing of China 1-7.
In the compound Men’s section, reigning world champion and world number one Toman Kumar lost to top seed Ken Swagumilang of Indonesia 146-144 in the semifinal. He will fight for the bronze medal against Abbas Kahdim of Iraq.
However, India’s campaign ended in the W1 men’s section after fifth seed Adil Mohamed Nazir Ansari and ninth seed Nurudin lost their respective quarterfinal matches.
Athletes classified as W1 usually have an impairment in the top and bottom halves of their bodies, torso and at least three limbs and some W1 athletes have an assistant to help them load the bow.
