Rohan Chowdhury in Paris
The world witnessed something extraordinary at the Invalides Arena in Paris as 17-year-old Sheetal Devi from Kashmir stunned everyone with her incredible archery skills. As the first and only armless archer to compete on the global stage, Sheetal not only broke the Paralympic and World Record with a total score of 703, but she also showcased a level of skill and determination that left the world in awe. However, records now stand with the Turkish archer Onzur Girdi Cure, who reached 704 in the same event, but it’s moments like these that elevate sports beyond mere competition.
As the final scores were being tallied, tension filled the arena. Sheetal’s coach, Abhilasha Chaudhary, stood with her fingers crossed, hopeful yet anxious. When the results were finally announced, it was clear: Sheetal had achieved her personal best, setting new records and making history. The Indian team erupted in celebration as global media outlets clamored for a chance to speak with the young prodigy.
Amid the excitement, a touching scene unfolded under the tent that caught the eyes of those present. Maria del Pilar Riveros, a 48-year-old Costa Rican archer who finished 10th in the ranking round, approached Sheetal with a warm, motherly embrace. In that brief moment, Riveros’ face glowed with pride, as if she were watching her own daughter achieve greatness. Sheetal’s smile radiated the warmth of the gesture, a testament to the camaraderie and shared respect that transcends competition.
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Sheetal Devi Exclusive
“Desh ke liye medal jeetenge,” says @ArcherSheetal.
The 17-year-old armless archer, who delivered a stellar performance in the ranking round, is confident of winning a medal for the nation at #Paris2024 .@TataSteelLtd @BoriaMajumdar @PCI_IN_Official pic.twitter.com/7SBe3TOhgd
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 30, 2024
With Sheetal not speaking much English, and Spanish being the main language in Costa Rica, we don’t know if they exchanged any words in those few seconds, but it was a moment that overcame the language barriers and gave the message bright and clear — of love and respect.
This fleeting interaction, lasting just a few seconds, encapsulated the true spirit of the Paralympics—a celebration of humanity, resilience, and mutual respect. Sheetal being the youngest of the lot, was also praised by others on her way out of the arena.
Sadly only three Indian journalists — from RevSportz were there to witness it, among the local French media and the global dailies like the Washington Post, this moment will be remembered by those who saw it, capturing the essence of what makes the Paralympics truly special.
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