Sport transcends boundaries, a fact vividly demonstrated last night when Barcelona defender Jules Kounde expressed his awe at Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi’s incredible performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
A video clip featuring Sheetal, who employs a unique trigger draw using her feet, has taken the Internet by storm. The footage captures her in action against Chile’s Mariana Zuniga during the archery event. In the video, Sheetal impressively executes her signature draw, hitting the bullseye with her very first shot, setting the stage for a thrilling match.
Jules Kounde, fresh off his stellar performance in Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Club, where he was a defensive anchor for the Catalan side, shared the clip online, expressing his admiration for the Paralympian’s skills.
Oh wowww… hear the crowd erupt 🤯 pic.twitter.com/lX3JsM5NSu
— Shekhar Dutt (@DuttShekhar) September 1, 2024
Sheetal had already made a name for herself with a remarkable showing at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year, where she claimed three medals—two golds in individual and mixed team compound competitions and a silver in the doubles compound event.
Coming into the Paralympics, all eyes were on Sheetal, who had shattered the previous world record of 698 by scoring 703, earning a bye into the last-16 round. She began her match on a high note, scoring two X’s and dropping only one point to win the opening set 29-28.
However, a misstep in her second arrow, scoring just 7 points, allowed the experienced Chilean archer to seize the opportunity, taking the second set 27-26, and leveling the match at 55-all.
The match remained intensely competitive, with both archers matching each other shot for shot over the next eight arrows. In a nail-biting finish, Mariana edged out Sheetal by shooting a 9 on her final arrow, while the Paralympics debutant fell just short, landing in the 8-ring, and losing by a single point.
Hard Luck but she is undoubtedly an inspiration for all of us.
