India’s Archery Stars Rewrite the Record Books: Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar Set New World Mark

India’s para archery stars Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have done it again. The formidable duo produced a sensational performance at the World Archery Para Series 2026 in Ahmedabad on Sunday, setting a new world record in the Compound Mixed Team qualification round.The pair combined for an astonishing 1,400 points out of 1,440, surpassing their previous record of 1,399 set during the qualification round at the Paris Paralympics. Their record-breaking score also earned India the top seeding in the mixed team event.Sheetal Shoots to the TopThe day was particularly special for Sheetal, who once again showed why she is one of the most inspiring names in para sport. The armless archer from Jammu scored an impressive 698 out of 720 to finish at the top of the women’s compound qualification standings. Rakesh was equally impressive, scoring 702 points in the men’s compound qualification. He finished second, just two points behind Indonesia’s top qualifier, who scored 704.Together, their scores created a record-breaking total that underlined the strength of India’s compound archery contingent.India’s success extended well beyond the record-breaking mixed team. All eight Indian para compound archers advanced to the next stage. The men’s contingent included Rakesh Kumar, Toman Kumar, Shyam Sunder Swami and Gurwinder Singh, while Sheetal Devi, Payal Nag, Sarita and Lalpati progressed in the women’s category.The Indian challenge was equally strong in the W1 category, with all eight Indian archers advancing.In the visually impaired category, Pawan Kumar, Yugal Garg and Tanvi Ingale moved into the semi-finals, taking another important step towards the medal rounds.The Road to More GloryThe competition now enters its decisive phase. Individual elimination rounds and team matches are scheduled for September 7, followed by the medal matches on September 8 and 9. The Ahmedabad event is Stage 3 of the 2026 World Archery Para Series. India had already made its mark at Stage 1 in Bangkok, where Payal Nag won gold, while Stage 2 was held in Czechia. The final stage will take place in Santiago, Chile, in October.For Sheetal and Rakesh, however, Ahmedabad has already delivered something special — another world record and another reminder that when talent meets determination, even the highest targets can be surpassed.