Archery has been a significant part of the Paralympic Games since their inception in 1960. As one of the original sports, it is deeply rooted in the history of the Paralympic movement.
Archery is accessible for people with various impairments, allowing disabled athletes to compete using assistive devices like custom draw aids, mouth tabs, and wheelchairs.
Para Archery Categories:
- W1 Category: This includes athletes with impairments that affect both arms and legs. The rules are slightly modified for this category to accommodate the athletes’ needs.
- Compound Open Category: Athletes with impairments that allow them to shoot using a compound bow, which is mechanically more advanced and includes pulleys and cables for greater accuracy and power.
- Recurve Open Category: Athletes compete using a recurve bow, which is the traditional bow used in Olympic archery.
Governance and Competitions:
- World Archery: The global governing body for para archery, responsible for organizing the World Archery Para Championships every two years.
- Olympic Participation: Para archers can compete in the Olympics if they meet the necessary qualification standards, showcasing their skills on the world’s biggest stage.
Indian Women in Paralympic Archery
India has recently seen the rise of talented female para archers who have made significant marks on the international stage.
Notable Indian Archers in 2024
- Sheetal Devi: A prominent name in Indian para archery, Sheetal Devi has made headlines with her impressive performances. Competing in the women’s individual compound open event, she has showcased remarkable skill and determination. Her journey to the podium is highly anticipated, especially after her strong showing in the ranking rounds.
- Sarita Devi: Another key athlete, Sarita Devi, is set to compete in the women’s individual compound open event.
- Her experience and competitive spirit make her a formidable contender as she aims for a medal in Paris.
- A notable Indian para archer who has competed in multiple international events.
- Known for her consistency and dedication to the sport.
- Her experience and competitive spirit make her a formidable contender as she aims for a medal in Paris.
- Parveen Kumar: Competing in the archery events, Parveen Kumar has been a consistent performer and is expected to contribute to India’s medal tally. His dedication and training have prepared him for the challenges ahead.
- Avani Lekhara:
- Made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
- First Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting.
- Won the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
- Also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.
- Mona Agarwal:
- Won a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- Continues to be a promising talent in para archery.
- Sarita Devi:
- A notable Indian para archer who has competed in multiple international events.
- Known for her consistency and dedication to the sport.
Archery at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
The archery competitions at the 2024 Paris Paralympics will be held from August 29 to September 7. Key events include individual competitions in the recurve open, compound open, and W1 categories.
Medal Prospects and Expectations
As of September 1, 2024, India has already secured five medals in the Games, including one gold, one silver, and three bronze. The Indian archery team is optimistic about adding to this tally, with expectations of multiple medals from the archery events.The archery competitions are scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 7, 2024, with key matches featuring Indian archers lined up. Fans are eagerly looking forward to the performances of Sheetal Devi and Sarita Devi, who are seen as strong medal contenders.
- Indian Competitors to Watch:
- Sheetal Devi: Expected to represent India in para archery at Paris 2024.
- Parveen Kumar: Another strong contender from India, with an anticipated participation in the events.
Other Notable Para Archers
- Mariana Zúñiga (Mexico):
- Rising star in para archery.
- Won gold in the women’s W1 event at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships.
- Eleonora Sarti (Italy):
- A veteran in the sport.
- Has competed in multiple Paralympic Games and is known for her experience and skill.
Summary of Points for Each Player:
- Avani Lekhara:
- Achievements: Gold in 10m air rifle standing SH1, Bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions.
- Significance: First Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold in shooting.
- Mona Agarwal:
- Achievements: Bronze in 10m air rifle standing SH1 at Paris 2024.
- Promise: Emerging as a strong contender in para archery.
- Sarita Devi:
- Competitions: Participated in multiple international para archery events.
- Reputation: Known for consistency and contribution to Indian para archery.
- Sheetal Devi:
- Anticipation: Expected to compete in Paris 2024 in para archery.
- Role: Representing India as a leading para archer.
- Parveen Kumar:
- Participation: Likely to be part of the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- Strength: Competing in key para archery events.
- Mariana Zúñiga:
- Achievements: Gold in W1 category at 2023 World Championships.
- Nationality: Mexico, a rising star in the sport.
- Eleonora Sarti:
- Experience: Veteran of multiple Paralympic Games.
- Country: Italy, known for her longstanding career in para archery.
Conclusion
The 2024 Paralympics present a significant opportunity for Indian archers to shine on the world stage. With talented athletes like Sheetal Devi, Sarita Devi, and Parveen Kumar, India is poised to make a strong impact in archery.
As the Games progress, the hopes of a nation rest on these athletes, who are ready to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of Paralympic medals.