India’s armless archer Sheetal Devi finished second in the women’s individual compound open ranking round with a stunning performance to directly make a round of 16 entry in the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Born on January 10, 2007, in Loidhar village, Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that resulted in underdeveloped limbs, leaving her without fully formed arms.
Despite the inherent challenges posed by her condition, Sheetal demonstrated remarkable athleticism from a young age, showing a strong will and determination that would later propel her to international acclaim.
As a child, Sheetal enjoyed climbing trees, an activity that helped her develop a strong upper body, which would become a crucial asset in her future archery career.
Her journey into sports was largely influenced by the Indian Army, which played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing her talent. In 2021, during a youth event organized by the Indian Army in Kishtwar, Sheetal’s natural athleticism and confidence were recognized by army coaches, setting the stage for her entry into para-archery.
Rise in Archery
Initially, coaches attempted to fit Sheetal with prosthetics, but these efforts did not yield the desired results. Inspired by Matt Stutzman, an armless American archer who competes using his legs, Sheetal began training with a similar technique. She soon joined the academy of former archer and coach Kuldeep Vedwan, where her talent quickly became evident. Competing among able-bodied archers, Sheetal’s unconventional technique—using her feet to shoot—stood out, and her skill was undeniable.
In March-April 2022, Sheetal made her debut at the Para Archery National Championship in Haryana, which marked her formal recognition as an Indian para-archer. Later that year, she competed in the Junior National Championships in Goa among able-bodied archers. Although she did not win a medal, her performance proved her potential and gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams further.
Breakthrough and Achievements
Sheetal’s breakthrough year came in 2023, a season that would catapult her to international stardom. In July, she won a silver medal in the women’s compound open archery event at the World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. This historic achievement made her the first female armless archer to win a medal at the Para World Championships and secured a quota for India at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Her success continued at the Asian Para Games in October 2023, where she won gold medals in both the individual compound and mixed team events, and a silver medal in the women’s doubles competition. These victories solidified her status as one of the top para-archers in the world, and she quickly ascended to the No. 1 spot in the global rankings for para compound archers.
Sheetal capped off her remarkable year by winning the gold medal at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023 in New Delhi. Recognizing her achievements, the Asian Paralympic Committee named her the Best Youth Athlete of the Year, and she was also awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honor.
Impact and Legacy
What makes Sheetal’s achievements even more astounding is that she is the only active female international archer who shoots without arms. Her story is one of incredible resilience, proving that physical limitations do not define one’s abilities. Her achievements have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired countless others with disabilities to pursue their passions.
In 2024, Sheetal continued to shine, winning a silver medal at the Khelo India NTPC National Ranking archery meet, finishing behind able-bodied archer Ekta Rani. She also partnered with Sarita to secure the women’s compound team gold medal at the Para Archery Ranking Series in Czechia, further cementing her reputation as a top competitor on the global stage.
Personal Life and Support System
Sheetal’s journey would not have been possible without the support of those around her, particularly Romica Sharma, a fellow compound archer from Jammu and Kashmir. Romica plays a crucial role in Sheetal’s day-to-day life, assisting her during practice sessions, managing her equipment, and providing emotional support. The bond between them goes beyond that of teammates, with Romica considering herself more like a sister to Sheetal.
Future Aspirations
With her sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Sheetal Devi is poised to become the youngest woman from India to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Her journey from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir to the world stage is a testament to her indomitable spirit and serves as an inspiration to athletes everywhere.
Awards and Recognition
- World Archery Para Championships 2023: Silver medal, women’s individual compound open archery.
- Asian Para Games 2023: Gold medals in women’s individual compound open archery and mixed doubles compound open archery; silver medal in women’s doubles compound open archery.
- World No. 1: Women’s compound para archer in the open category in 2023.
- Khelo India Para Games 2023: Gold medal, women’s individual compound open archery.
- Arjuna Award 2023: India’s prestigious sporting honor.
- Best Youth Athlete of the Year 2023: Awarded by the Asian Paralympic Committee.
- Best Women Para Archer of the Year 2023: Awarded by World Archery.
Sheetal Devi’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, innovation, and support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. As she continues to break barriers and set new records, she remains a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for many across the globe.
