Indian archer Shital Devi matches world record, sets Asian mark

Shital Devi produced an outstanding performance in the women's compound archery qualification at the Asian Para Games 2026, demonstrating exceptional precision and consistency to match the existing world record. The Indian archer's score of 704 points from 720 positioned her among the elite performers in the sport and marked a significant achievement for Indian para-athletics on the continental stage.

Devi's stellar showing resulted in two historic records for the Indian archer. By matching the world record score, she entered an exclusive list of top performers in compound archery. More significantly, her 704-point haul established a new Asian record in the women's compound qualification category, surpassing all previous continental benchmarks.

The performance highlights India's growing strength in para-archery, a discipline that has increasingly yielded competitive results for the nation at international para-sporting events. Devi's achievement adds to the country's medal prospects at the Asian Para Games, which are being held as a premier multi-sport event for para-athletes across Asia.

With qualification rounds completed, focus now shifts to the medal events where Devi will look to convert her exceptional qualifying form into podium finishes. Her record-setting qualification score positions her as a strong contender in the competition's remaining stages.

Photo: Para-archer Shital Devi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Paris Paralympics, September 2024. Prime Minister's Office, Government of India, via Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India).