India celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026 as top-seeded archers Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar secured the gold medal in the compound mixed team event. Facing a determined challenge from Indonesia in the championship match, the Indian pair displayed nerves of steel to register a 151-148 victory, adding another prestigious title to the country's tally.
Building an Early Advantage in the Final
The gold medal clash began with intense precision from both sides. Sheetal and Toman took the opening round by a narrow 38-37 margin, establishing early momentum. The Indian duo stepped up their accuracy even further in the second round, expanding their tally to 77-73. That four-point cushion proved pivotal, putting substantial pressure on their Indonesian opponents heading into the second half of the contest.
Holding Off Indonesia's Counterattack
Indonesia's pair of Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang mounted a fightback during the third end, managing to gain a single point back on the scoreboard. Despite that effort, India still carried a vital three-point lead into the final set of arrows. In the fourth and deciding round, both teams matched each other shot for shot, finishing tied at 38-38. The early lead preserved by Sheetal and Toman proved decisive, securing the 151-148 triumph and leaving Indonesia with the silver medal.
World Record Milestone in the Ranking Round
The gold medal run was backed by a historic performance earlier in the qualification stage. During the compound mixed team ranking round, Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar put together a collective score of 1,402 points. This tally surpassed the previous world record mark by two points, establishing a new global benchmark and asserting their dominance well before the knockout rounds got underway.
Remarkable Technique and Determination
Sheetal Devi has become one of the most recognized figures in international para archery due to her unique shooting style and resilience. Born without both arms, she shoots using her legs and feet to balance the compound bow, drawing and releasing the bowstring using her jaw and shoulder. Having previously earned multiple international honours for the nation, her partnership with Toman Kumar delivered another defining sporting moment on the continental stage.
