India’s Sheetal Devi became compound women’s world champion at the Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships, beating the reigning champion Oznur Cure Girdi, 146-143 on the stage at 5.16 Democracy Square.
”I had a dream i would become world champion. It made me want to work. I worked and worked and today I’ve got such a good result,” said Devi.
The journey of Sheetal Devi, born with a rare congenital disorder that left her without arms, is perhaps the greatest legacy of the original ‘armless archer’ Matt Stutzman, who inspired both her and several other para archers to take up the sport.
Still only 18 years old, Sheetal’s career as a performance athlete rocketed after winning her first major in 2022 at the Asian Games, and a silver in Pilsen followed by mixed team bronze in Paris saw her familiar with the biggest podiums.
The match against Girdi was a re-run of the 2023 final in Pilsen. ”The pressure wasn’t great. I controlled myself and shot very calmly. My heartbeat wasn’t so fast, so there was less pressure. It felt amazing just to be in the finals again,” said Devi.
Tied up after the first end, the match pivoted on the second end, which Devi cleaned while Girdi dropped three points. It would be enough, as Devi shot solidly enough to maintain a lead right through to the end.
Both Devi and Girdi had a triple shift to work on compound Saturday, with individual, mixed team and team matches to navigate. Girdi triumphed in women’s doubles alongside Busra Fatma Un, beating the team of Devi and Sarita 152-148.
Devi also took mixed team bronze against Great Britain, with Girdi taking silver in the mixed team gold final against China. It was the only Chinese victory of the day, as they lost to the USA in the men’s doubles and were well beaten by Great Britain in the women’s doubles.
