Indian Para Archer Sheetal Devi's Viral Bullseye Shot Leaves Barcelona Superstar Amazed

Sport knows no boundaries. The same was showcased late last night as Barcelona defender Jules Kounde shared his amazement at Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi’s performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

A clip of the Indian Devi, who is known for his unorthodox trigger draw using her feet, had gone viral online, showcasing her take on Chilean Mariana Zuniga at the archery event.

In the clip, Sheetal can be seen skillfully executing her masterful draw, and hit the bullseye with the very first shot of her match, to set the tone.

Kounde, who starred in Barcelona’s recent win over Athletic Club and has been a stronghold in defense for the Catalan, shared the clip as well, expressing his sheer amazement at the Para-Olympian.

Sheetal had secured three medals at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year, including two gold medals in individual and mixed team compound competition and a silver in doubles compound competition.

All eyes were on Asian Para Games double gold medalist Sheetal, who also had bettered the previous world record of 698 shooting 703, to get a bye into the last-16 round.

Sheetal started out on a positive note as she hit two X’s and dropped just one point to take the opening set 29-28.

But her 7-point in the second arrow gave the Chilean seasoned archer the much-needed opening as she won the second end 27-26 to make it level (55-all).

It was a neck-and-neck affair for the duo in the next eight arrows before Mariana edged out Sheetal in the final arrow by shooting a 9 as the Paralympics debutant Sheetal slipped to the 8-ring to lose by one point.

(with PTI inputs)