Asian Para Games 2023: Sheetal Devi, Sarita combine to win compound women's doubles silver

India also won silver and bronze medals in Recurve and Compound men's doubles categories.

India's teenage archer Sheetal Devi combined with Sarita to win silver in women's compound archery at the Asian Para Games 2023. The pair lost to China's Lin/Zhang in a close encounter (150-152) and settled for second place. The duo had a great start to the event, dismantling Hong Kong (140-118) in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Sheetal and Sarita got the better of South Korean pair Nami Choi and Jeong Jinyoung (154-146).

In the final, the Indian pair remained inconsistent and the third series of 36 cost them the gold medal. On the other hand, China shot 38 in all the four series and triumphed.

Later in the day, Rakesh Kumar-Suraj Singh settled for silver in men's compound team archery. The pair lost to China's He Zhihao/Ai Xinliang (150-155). The Indian duo started their campaign with a win over Philippines (158-153) and then went on to progress to the final by defeating Chinese Taipei (152-154).

Hereafter, Sheetal Devi, 16, is scheduled to play in the semifinals of mixed compound event and will take on compatriot Sarita in the individual category for a place in the final.

Earlier this year, Sheetal became the first women armless archer to win a medal at the World Para Archery championship and in the process also secured herself an Olympic quota.

Earlier in the day, experienced Harvinder Singh and Sahil joined hands to win bronze in men's compound archery. The Indian pair lost to China (2-6) in the semifinals but managed to beat Thailand in the bronze medal playoff match. They beat Hanreuchai and Pornchai (6-0) to emerge victorious and finish third.