Star archer Sheetal Devi was the cynosure of all eyes on Friday's proceedings at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The Asian Para Games champion advanced to the gold medal round of the women's compound competition with a total score of 696 points. The armless sensation Sheetal Devi, representing Jammu and Kashmir, has been making waves in recent months with two medals in her maiden appearance at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou and then medals at the Para Asian meet in Bangkok.

Jyoti Balayan from Uttar Pradesh too advanced to the final round, 10 points behind Sheetal at 686. Sarita of Haryana and Tanishka of Delhi will play for the bronze medal on Saturday.

Ahead of the Khelo India Para Games, Sheetal had spoken of mild pressure as all athletes in fray are known to her. However, when she used the bow and arrow with her legs on Friday, her unwavering concentration stood out. Her skill and will was indeed a delight to watch.

Mona Sharma upsets Asian Games gold medallist in shooting

Rajasthan's Mona Sharma caused a major upset on Day 3 of the Para Shooting of Khelo India Para Games at Dr Karni Singh Stadium, after she surprised Para Asian Games 2023 gold medallist Sidhartha Babu to claim the gold medal in the Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 event.

Mona scored a total of 247.5 just 0.2 shy of Sidhartha's Para Asian Games Record score of 247.7. Kerala's Sidhartha finished with 245.1 to earn a Silver while Anandkrishnan H finished with 221.9 to earn a Bronze.

Shooting Final Results (December 15 2023)

Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1:

1) Mona Sharma (Rajasthan) - 247.5
2) Sidhartha Babu (Kerala) - 245.1
3) Anandhakrishnan H. (Kerala) - 221.9

Mixed 25m Pistol SH1

1) Nihal Singh (Rajasthan) - 22
2) Akash (Uttar Pradesh) - 20
3) Rahul Jahkar (Haryana) - 16