Bhubaneswar: Oznur Cure Girdi led the compound women’s qualifications at the Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships with an impressive score of 703, just one point shy of her own world record of 704. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Champion showed fierce determination, saying, “I came here to break my own record… I came with all my courage.” She was well ahead of India’s Sheetal Devi, who scored 687, and Great Britain’s Jodie Grinham on 682.
The qualifying rounds featured warm and humid conditions typical of the region. The competition continues with a thrilling final set for Saturday, pitting Cure Girdi against Sheetal Devi in a much-anticipated rematch. This follows their close encounter at the 2023 Pilsen Championships, where Cure Girdi won 140-138.Sheetal Devi, only 18 years old, earned her spot in the final by defeating Grinham 145-140 in the semifinals.
Alongside this, Indian archers Rakesh Kumar and Toman Kumar advanced to the men’s compound open final, assuring India a historic three medals at the championships.Cure Girdi praised her team’s collective effort: “No athlete can achieve success alone… We’re training so hard. That’s why I’m proud of my whole team.”All eyes will be on this high-stakes final that symbolizes courage, fierce rivalry, and rising talent in para archery.
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