Sheetal Devi has captivated the world with her extraordinary journey marked by grit and determination. This week, the 16-year-old became the first female armless archer to rise to No. 1 in the world.
The compound archer had secured two gold medals and a silver at this year's Para Asian Games. Earlier in 2023, she had won a silver at the World Para Championships.
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Devi also won the Best Youth Athlete award at the fourth edition of the Asian Awards in Riyadh on November 27, 2023. The ceremony, which honours Asian para athletes and officials, is organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee.
It has been an incredible turnaround for the archer who picked up the sport only in 2019.
“It’s unbelievable when I look one year back – where and how I was and where I am now. With every competition, I feel more confident,” she was quoted saying by World Archery in November.
Who is Sheetal Devi?
Hailing from the Kishtwar region in Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal, who hadn't travelled beyond her home state until a few years ago, now proudly represents India globally.
She was born with the condition called phocomelia. It is a rare congenital deformity in which the hands or feet are attached close to the trunk, the limbs being very underdeveloped or absent. This condition is geenrally a side effect of the drug thalidomide taken during early pregnancy.
Notably, the 16-year-old prodigy faced the challenge of prosthetics that did not work for her. Undeterred, she, alongside her family, refused to succumb to despair.
Overcoming her physical challenges, Sheetal embraced archery at the age of 12, drawing inspiration from the renowned American para archer, Matt Stutzman. Stutzman, a three-time Paralympian, played a pivotal role in mentoring Sheetal during the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in Pilsen.
“[Matt] told me, ‘you can do well, just think positive and look ahead’,” said Devi, recalling her meeting with Stutzman at the para championships in Pilsen.
“Never look back.”
She began her archery journey from the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra. However, keeping the funds flowing for her training remains a formidable task.
Over the past two years, her progress has been nothing short of extraordinary, with victories in national and international competitions leading to her stellar performance at the Asian Para Games in 2023.
Her unique technique involves using her feet to lift the bow, inspired by Stutzman's approach.
Despite her newfound global recognition, Sheetal remains grounded, expressing the overwhelming feeling of representing India on the international stage. Speaking at a 'Being You' event, she calmly navigates these moments, ensuring she hits the bullseye both in her sport and in life.
What did Sheetal say about her goals?
“I have my eyes on the Paris Paralympics. I am putting all efforts to ensure that the Indian flag flies high on the podium and I bring back as many medals as possible. This is my dream,” she said.
How is Sheetal preparing for the Paralympics?
As Sheetal gears up for the Paralympics, her focus is on adhering to a rigorous training regime.
“My present form, diet and focus align with what I need to do to train for the Paris Paralympics 2024. I will continue to improve my game and focus on acing it there,” she concluded.
With an already impressive track record, she aims not only to participate but to bring back numerous medals, raising the Indian flag high on the podium.
In the midst of her journey, Sheetal's story serves as an inspiration, reflecting the triumph of human spirit over adversity. The 16-year-old para archer, who was once confined to the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, has become a symbol of hope and resilience for aspiring athletes across the country.
As the countdown to the Paris Paralympics begins, all eyes are on Sheetal Devi, a young athlete with a remarkable journey and a determination to etch her name in the annals of sporting history.
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