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New Delhi: India's strong start at the World Para Archery Championships ended in heartbreak as the duo of Sheetal Devi and Sarita fell just short in the compound women's open team final. The Indian pair had to settle for silver after losing 148-152 to Turkey's Oznur Cure Girdi and Busra Fatma Un in a tight-fought gold medal match in Gwangju, South Korea.
The final began with both teams trading strong arrows early on. Sheetal and Sarita looked sharp, producing three 10s in their first four shots to edge ahead 38-37 after the opening end. It was a near-perfect start from the Indian team, who managed to stay calm under pressure while Turkey struggled slightly to find rhythm.
However, Turkey came roaring back in the second end, shooting three 10s and a nine to level the score at 76-all. The Indian pair continued to fight but their rivals matched them shot for shot, setting up a tense final.
In the third end, the pressure began to show on the Indian archers. They could only manage one 10 while Turkey stayed consistent with a 37 to take a slender one-point lead heading into the final set.
The gold medal was still in reach for the Indian duo but nerves crept in during the final end. Sarita, who had been outstanding throughout, faltered with a wayward seven while Sheetal shot a 10 to keep India's hope alive. But the Turkish duo closed out the contest confidently, hitting a near-perfect 39 to seal the win 152-148.
It was a disappointing finish for the Indians. who had looked in control from early on. Still, the second podium finish marks another impressive finish for Sheetal and Sarita as both continue to be India's brightest hopes in para archery.
