Paralympic Archery in Paris 2024 : Sheetal Devi and Sarita Kumari Crash Out
Paralympics Archery in Paris 2024
Paralympics Archery in Paris 2024: Sheetal Devi, the armless marvel, tumbled out of the last 16, ending Sarita Kumari's incredible run in the quarterfinals.
Sarita Kumari's incredible journey ended in the archery competition's quarterfinals, and armless marvel Sheetal Devi lost in the last 16 of the compound women's open category at the Paris Paralympics 2024, causing sadness for India. Sarita of Faridabad, the ninth seed, had a dominant performance in the first and second rounds before her incredible run was ended in the round of eight by top-seeded Oznur Cure Girdi of Korea. With a score of 704 out of 720 possible points, Oznur broke the world record to win the qualifying round. She scored three perfect 10s in the second to take a commanding five-point lead.
Despite Sarita's flawless fourth end to match Oznur's thirty, the Turkish archer maintained a four-point lead thanks to her consistent beginnings, capping the match with a 29 in the fifth end.
Using her toes to draw the arrow, Sheetal made a mistake in the second end, missing the 7-point red ring and losing to Chile's Mariana Zuniga, the winner of the Tokyo silver medal, 137-138 in the pre-quarterfinals.
With a bye into the last-16 round, all eyes were on Asian Para Games double gold medallist Sheetal, who had also surpassed the previous world mark of 698 by shooting 703.
Beginning the first set on a high note, Sheetal won 29–28 after hitting two X drops one point.
She did, however, get the much-needed opening when she made a 7-pointer in the second arrow, winning the second end 27-26 to equalize the score (55-all).
Over the next eight arrows, the two competitors were even at one point, but Mariana pulled ahead with the last arrow, hitting a nine, while Sheetal, making his Paralympic debut, missed the eight ring.
Sarita, the ninth seed, defeated Eleonora Sarti of Italy 141–135 in a one-sided match during her pre-quarterfinals on the same day that second seed Sheetal was eliminated early.
Sarita, ranked ninth and the winner of the Asian Para Games silver medal team the previous year, led by four points after just one end of play.
After she shot one X (closer to the center) in the second end, she extended her lead to five points, and there was no turning back.
Sarita held her composure and sealed the deal with two strong ends, but her higher-ranked Italian opponent managed two 10s and took the third end.
In her opening round match, Sarita defeated Nur Jannaton Abdul Jalil of Malaysia 138-124.
In the open class, archers aim at an 80cm five-ring target composed of the 10-6 point bands from a seated position at a distance of 50 meters.
Neeraj Chopra Shines at Lausanne Diamond League with Season’s Best Throw of 89.49 Meters
Neeraj Chopra Shines at Lausanne Diamond League with Season’s Best Throw of 89.49 Meters
India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, has once again made headlines with his exceptional performance at the Lausanne Diamond League. Known for his remarkable consistency and competitive spirit, Chopra delivered a season’s best throw of 89.49 meters, securing his place among the world’s elite javelin throwers. This impressive throw not only marked a significant achievement for Chopra but also highlighted his ability to perform under intense pressure.
A Strong Finish: Chopra’s Journey at Lausanne Diamond League
The Lausanne Diamond League was a test of resilience for Neeraj Chopra. He began the fourth round in fourth place, a position that might have rattled a less determined athlete. However, Chopra remained focused on improving his performance as the competition progressed. In his fifth attempt, he threw a distance of 85.58 meters, a solid effort that kept him in the running. Yet, it was his final attempt that truly showcased his high-caliber talent.
Saving the best for last, Chopra recorded a throw of 89.49 meters in his sixth and final attempt. This throw not only elevated him to the second position in the event but also became his season’s best, just a few days after he recorded a throw of 89.45 meters at the Paris Olympics. Chopra’s ability to deliver such a performance under pressure underscores his status as one of the top javelin throwers in the world.
The Competition: Anderson Peters and Julian Weber
The Lausanne Diamond League featured some of the best javelin throwers in the world, making Chopra’s achievement even more remarkable. Leading the competition was Anderson Peters from Grenada, a two-time world champion and bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics. Peters set a high standard early in the competition, delivering a massive throw of 90.61 meters in the second round. This incredible throw ultimately secured him the championship title, reaffirming his dominance in the sport.
Meanwhile, Julian Weber from Germany also delivered a strong performance, securing third place with a throw of 87.08 meters. Weber’s consistency throughout the event ensured his spot on the podium, rounding out the top three finishers in the Lausanne Diamond League.
Chopra’s Reflections: A Test of Resilience and Fighting Spirit
Reflecting on his performance, Neeraj Chopra expressed satisfaction with his final throw, despite a challenging start. “The feeling wasn’t great at first, but I am happy with my throw, especially the second (career) best throw on my last attempt. It was a tough start, but the comeback was really nice and I enjoyed the fighting spirit I showed,” Chopra said. His comments reveal the mental and physical challenges he faced during the competition, and his ability to overcome them to deliver a world-class performance.
Chopra’s journey at the Lausanne Diamond League wasn’t without its hurdles. After a slow start, he missed his sixth throw, putting even more pressure on his fifth attempt. However, his 85.58-meter throw was enough to keep him in the competition, setting the stage for his final, record-setting throw. This ability to perform when it matters most is what sets Chopra apart as a true champion.
What’s Next for Neeraj Chopra?
As Neeraj Chopra continues to build on his impressive track record, his focus now shifts to future competitions. With back-to-back strong performances in Lausanne and Paris, Chopra is clearly in peak form, and fans can expect even greater achievements from him in the coming months. His recent successes not only enhance his reputation on the global stage but also inspire millions of aspiring athletes back home in India.
Conclusion: Neeraj Chopra’s Legacy in Javelin Throwing
Neeraj Chopra’s performance at the Lausanne Diamond League is a testament to his skill, determination, and ability to deliver under pressure. His season’s best throw of 89.49 meters, achieved in the final moments of the competition, highlights his resilience and competitive spirit. As one of the world’s leading javelin throwers, Chopra’s achievements continue to elevate India’s standing in international athletics.
Chopra’s journey in Lausanne is a story of perseverance, where despite a challenging start, he managed to finish strong, securing second place among the world’s best. As he continues to compete and inspire, Neeraj Chopra’s legacy as a champion and a role model for aspiring athletes remains firmly established.