Sheetal Devi
About
Sheetal Devi, a 16-year-old para-archer from Kashmir, made history by securing three medals in the Asian Para Games and becoming the first armless woman to win a medal at the World Para Archery Championships In July 2023.
Born with Phocomelia, a disorder causing under-developed limbs, Sheetal Devi began training for the sport only two years ago. Not losing hope after the failed attempt to get prosthetics, Sheetal Devi trained at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra under coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwa, where she was able to hone her skills and reach new heights.
Sheetal Devi gradually began building up the number of shots she took daily, beginning with 50 a day to going up to 300 regularly. Six months later, she won a silver medal in the Para Open Nationals in Sonepat. At the Asian Para Games in October, Sheetal Devi won two gold medals in the women’s open individual compound and mixed team compound archery events, along with a silver in the women’s doubles compound event for which Prime Minister Modi also congratulated her big win. Her unwavering dedication and refusal to let her physical limitations hold her back serve as an inspiration to us all.
Awards and accomplishments
Awards and accomplishments
At the 2022 Asian Para Games, Sheetal Devi competed in the women’s compound bow and won a silver medal. Additionally, she received two gold medals for mixed doubles and women’s individual, after winning a silver medal in the women’s double compound. She also won a gold medal in the women’s compound event in the Para Asian Games final in Hangzhou.
Why Sheetal Devi?
Sheetal Devi is not just a role model, but an exceptional one. Her consistent effort, perseverance, determination, and willingness to go the extra mile daily make her an exemplary figure for all of us to follow. From a rural school-going girl to being the first armless archer to win medals at the Asian Para Games, Sheetal Devi’s inspiring journey exemplifies the triumph of determination, resilience, and skill over adversity.
