NAGOYA, JAPAN, October 20, 2026 : India’s para-archery sensation Sheetal Devi delivered a spectacular, record-breaking performance at the Asian Para Games, equalling the world record in the women’s compound qualification round before joining forces with Toman Kumar to establish a new world record in the mixed team rankings.
The 19-year-old archer from Jammu and Kashmir showcased extraordinary precision and determination, underlining India’s growing strength in international para-archery. Her outstanding performance, alongside impressive displays from other Indian archers, helped the country secure leading positions across several events.
SHEETAL DEVI EQUALS WORLD RECORD WITH 704 POINTS
Sheetal produced an exceptional performance in the women’s compound ranking round at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square, scoring 704 points out of a possible 720 to equal the world record and establish a new Asian record.
Her score matched the world record set by Türkiye’s Oznur Girdi at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games and surpassed the previous Asian record of 698 points by six points.
Demonstrating remarkable control and consistency, Sheetal registered 57 perfect 10s across her 72 arrows, including 32 Xs—shots landing in the innermost scoring zone of the target.
The Paris Paralympics bronze medallist also improved upon her own Asian Para Games record of 680 points, set at Hangzhou in 2023, where she won two gold medals in the individual and mixed team events and a silver medal in doubles.
Sheetal, who was born without arms, uses her feet and legs to position the compound bow and relies on her shoulder and jaw to draw and release the string. Her achievements continue to demonstrate the extraordinary skill, dedication and adaptability required to compete at the highest level of international sport.
SHEETAL AND TOMAN SET A NEW MIXED TEAM WORLD RECORD
Sheetal’s record-breaking day continued in the compound mixed team ranking round, where she partnered with Toman Kumar to produce another historic result.
Toman scored 698 points in the men’s compound qualification round. Combined with Sheetal’s 704, the Indian duo accumulated 1,402 points, surpassing the previous world record of 1,400 points.
Notably, the previous mixed team world record had also been set by Sheetal, when she competed alongside Rakesh Kumar.
The new record earned Sheetal and Toman direct qualification for the quarterfinals. They are scheduled to face the winners of the contest between Iraq and Japan, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
PAYAL NAG IMPRESSES AS INDIA TOP WOMEN’S COMPOUND TEAM RANKINGS
India’s success extended beyond Sheetal’s individual brilliance, with Asian Para Games debutant Payal Nag also delivering an impressive performance in the women’s compound qualification round.
Payal scored 675 points to finish fifth, strengthening India’s prospects in both the individual and team competitions.
The quadruple amputee from Odisha had attracted international attention earlier in April 2026 after defeating Sheetal on her way to winning gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok.
The combined efforts of Sheetal and Payal helped India finish at the top of the women’s compound team qualification standings with 1,379 points, comfortably ahead of China, which scored 1,338 points.
India’s commanding performance secured the team a direct berth in the semifinals. The Indian pair will face the winners of the quarterfinal between fifth-seeded Thailand and fourth-seeded Kazakhstan. A victory would take them into the medal round.
MEN’S RECURVE TEAM FINISHES TOP OF THE RANKINGS
India also made a strong impression in the men’s recurve category, led by Paralympic gold medallist and Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist Harvinder Singh.
Harvinder finished fifth in the individual ranking round with 631 points, while Vijay Sundi secured seventh place with 630 points.
Their combined scores gave India a total of 1,261 points, placing the country at the top of the men’s recurve team rankings and strengthening its position in the subsequent knockout stages.
BHAVNA LEADS WOMEN’S RECURVE CHALLENGE
In the women’s recurve ranking round, Bhawna secured second place with 616 points, while Pooja finished ninth with 561 points.
Their combined performances placed India second in the women’s recurve team standings, keeping the Indian contingent firmly in contention as the competition moves towards the elimination rounds.
India also finished fourth in the recurve mixed team rankings. The Indian team is set to face Thailand in the opening round of the eight-team knockout draw.
INDIA’S PARA-ARCHERS STRENGTHEN MEDAL HOPES
India’s impressive qualification results in Nagoya highlight the depth of talent within its para-archery contingent. From Sheetal Devi’s historic individual and mixed team records to Payal Nag’s strong debut and the recurve teams’ leading positions, Indian athletes have established a solid foundation for the knockout stages.
While qualification rankings do not determine the final medal tally, the results have positioned several Indian teams favourably as they pursue podium finishes.
Sheetal’s achievements stand out as a defining moment of the competition, combining world-class accuracy with an inspiring sporting journey. Alongside Toman Kumar, she has once again demonstrated that determination, technical excellence and teamwork can push the boundaries of international para-archery.
India will now look to convert its record-setting qualification performances into medals as the Asian Para Games knockout rounds get underway.
