Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archer from Jammu district, is making headlines as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. Despite being born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that left her without arms, Devi has become a world-class archer, ranked first in the world in the compound open women’s category.
Sheetal Devi’s journey into archery began just two years ago when she was introduced to the sport at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board sports complex in Katra. Under the guidance of her coaches, Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, she quickly adapted to the sport, using her legs and jaw to handle the bow and arrow. Her determination and hard work paid off when she won a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games and a silver at the Para-Archery World Championship, securing her spot at the Paralympics.
Sheetal Devi’s story is one of grit and perseverance. She trains tirelessly, despite the physical challenges and sacrifices she has had to make, including staying away from home for two years to focus on her training. Inspired by American archer Matt Stutzman, who also shoots with his feet, Devi overcame doubts and physical pain to master her technique.
Her coaches crafted a customized bow for her, designed to leverage her strengths and accommodate her unique style of shooting. This innovation, combined with a rigorous training regimen, has propelled Devi to the top of her sport.
As the Paralympics approach, Devi remains focused on her goal: winning a gold medal for India. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that with enough determination and hard work, no obstacle is insurmountable. “If I can do it, anyone else can,” she says, embodying the spirit of perseverance that drives her and inspires many.
