Sheetal Devi delivered a historic performance at the Asian Para Games on October 19, 2026, scoring 704 out of 720 points in the women's compound archery qualification round. The 19-year-old Indian archer equalled the world record, set a new Asian record and helped India finish on top of the women's compound team standings in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, according to The Tribune.

For the archer from Jammu and Kashmir, who shoots using her feet, shoulder and jaw, the achievement marks another remarkable chapter in her career. The record-equalling performance also strengthens India's medal prospects as the competition moves into the knockout rounds.

Sheetal Devi Archery: How the 704-Point World Record Was Equalled

The Indian para-archer surpassed her previous Asian record of 698 points by six, matching the world record set by Türkiye's Öznur Cüre Girdi at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She also improved her own Asian Para Games record of 680 points, established during the 2023 Hangzhou edition, where she won two gold medals and one silver.

Her precision was extraordinary. Across 72 arrows, she recorded 57 perfect 10s, including 32 Xs, which indicate shots landing in the innermost scoring zone.

She scored 352 points in each half of the qualification round, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the competition. The performance highlights her continued progress in compound archery, where even small differences in accuracy can determine the final rankings.

India's Women's Compound Team Takes the Lead

India's impressive qualification performance extended beyond the individual event. Teammate Payal Nag scored 675 points to finish joint fifth, helping India secure first place in the women's compound team qualification standings. Together, the two archers recorded 1,379 points, comfortably ahead of China's 1,338. Their combined performance earned India a direct place in the semifinals, according to India Today.

India will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Thailand and Kazakhstan, with victory securing a place in the gold-medal contest. Payal's qualification result is particularly significant. The archer from Odisha previously defeated her senior teammate to win gold at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok earlier in 2026. The pair's performance now gives India a strong opportunity to compete for another medal in compound archery.

Why Sheetal Devi's Record-Breaking Form Matters

The latest achievement reflects months of consistent performances rather than one exceptional round. In March and April 2026, the Indian archer recorded 698 points during qualification at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok. She continued improving her international performances throughout the season, including setting another Asian record at the Ahmedabad event in September.

According to World Archery, she also partnered with Rakesh Kumar to establish a mixed-team qualification world record of 1,400 points in Ahmedabad.

Her progress has become an important milestone for Para sports in India, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of Indian athletes on the international stage.

The success of Sheetal Devi archery also highlights how specialised techniques, training and consistency can overcome conventional expectations in elite competition.

What Happens Next at the Asian Para Games?

The qualification result has placed India in a promising position, but medals will be decided during the elimination rounds. The women's compound team will compete in the semifinals, while the individual competition offers another opportunity for India's defending champion to add to her medal collection. The latest result adds momentum to India's campaign across Para sports, with athletes competing in archery, shooting, athletics and other disciplines.

For now, Sheetal's 704-point performance stands as one of India's biggest early highlights of the Games. Matching a world record is an achievement in itself. Turning that qualification success into medals will be the next challenge for India's para-archery team.