World champion para archer Sheetal Devi has made unprecedented history by earning a spot on India’s able-bodied junior archery team after finishing third in national trials.
The 18-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir, born without arms due to a rare congenital disorder called phocomelia, clinched her place based purely on merit among able-bodied archers.
Her selection comes ahead of the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah next month. The Archery Association of India and other officials have lauded her achievement as a milestone illustrating extraordinary human resilience and sporting excellence, setting an inspiring precedent for inclusive sports in India.
A Journey of Unyielding Determination and Skill
Sheetal’s journey to this achievement began humbly in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, where she was born on 10 January 2007 without arms.
Despite this challenge, she developed an extraordinary adaptive technique of shooting arrows using her legs and shoulders, inspired partly by American armless archer Matt Stutzman.
Her early potential was recognised during a youth event supported by the Indian Army, which enabled her to access training and medical assistance.
Training at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra initially, and now at Patiala under coach Gaurav Sharma, she refined a style that combines strength, precision, and mental composure.
At the trials, she competed alongside over 60 able-bodied archers over four days, scoring an impressive 703 points in qualifications, matching the tournament’s top scorer.
Coach Sharma praised her resilience and focus, noting she overcame a month-long break before nationals to deliver outstanding performances and secure her place on the team.
Championship Glory and Global Acclaim
Sheetal’s list of accolades is nothing short of remarkable for an athlete so young. She claimed her first international gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games, followed by a mixed team bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, becoming the youngest Indian Paralympian medalist.
Most recently, in September 2025, she clinched the women’s compound individual gold at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, defeating world No.1 Oznur Cure Girdi in a closely fought final. This victory made her the first armless woman to be crowned world champion in archery.
Her achievements have been broadly celebrated by sports bodies and sponsors alike. NTPC, a prominent power company supporting archery development, congratulated her historic victory, highlighting the inspiration her story provides to millions.
She has also been honoured with the Arjuna Award, India’s prestigious sports accolade, in 2023, underscoring her exceptional contribution to Indian sports.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sheetal Devi’s extraordinary success is a powerful symbol of breaking barriers and redefining ability.
The recognition of her talent by including her in the able-bodied team disrupts conventional norms that often restrict opportunity based on physical differences.
It signals a step forward for sports inclusivity, encouraging society to embrace diversity not as a limitation but as a strength to be celebrated.
