Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, October 2026 : Indian para archers Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar delivered a stellar performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, winning the gold medal in the compound mixed team event on Thursday. The Indian duo defeated Indonesia’s Theodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151-148 in the final to secure the title and give India its first gold medal in archery at the competition.
The victory further highlighted India’s growing strength in para archery and added to the country’s impressive campaign at the continental sporting event in Japan.
India Clinch Gold After Thrilling Final
Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar began the final with confidence, edging ahead 38-37 in the opening round. They followed it up with an excellent second round, scoring 39 points to extend their overall lead to 77-73.
The Indonesian pair attempted a comeback in the third round, scoring one point more than the Indian team. However, Sheetal and Toman maintained their advantage under pressure.
Both teams scored 38 points in the final round, enabling the Indian duo to preserve their three-point lead and seal the gold medal with a final score of 151-148.
Indian Duo Sets World Record in Qualification
The Indian pair’s achievement was not limited to the final. Earlier in the qualification round, Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar accumulated 1,402 points to establish a new world record, surpassing the previous mark by two points.
Their record-breaking performance earned them the top seeding in the competition and set the stage for their successful gold-medal campaign.
Sheetal Devi Wins Two Gold Medals in One Day
Thursday proved especially memorable for Sheetal Devi, who won two gold medals in a single day.
After triumphing alongside Toman Kumar in the compound mixed team event, she secured another gold in the women’s individual compound archery competition. Sheetal defeated Singapore’s Nur Syahidah Alim 142-138 in the final to complete a remarkable double.
Born without arms, Sheetal uses her feet to hold and operate the bow, demonstrating exceptional precision, determination and technical skill. Her achievements have made her an inspiration to athletes and sports enthusiasts around the world.
The performances of Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar underline India’s growing capabilities in international para sports. Their gold-medal victory and world-record qualification score mark a significant milestone for Indian para archery at the Asian Para Games 2026.
