By News18,Siddarth Sriram

Copyright news18

Born in 2007 in Loidhar, Kishtwar (J&K), Sheetal Devi was born without arms due to phocomelia. Despite the condition, she adapted early, climbing trees and performing daily tasks with her legs. Her childhood resilience built the foundation for her sporting journey, even though opportunities in her remote village were limited. (X)
In 2019, the Rashtriya Rifles identified her potential during a local event. The Army supported her education and medical needs. Coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Wadhwan later trained her in archery, adapting techniques from armless US archer Matt Stutzman. She learned to shoot using her feet and chin, beginning her remarkable sporting journey in 2022. (X)
Sheetal’s unique shooting style—using her legs and chin—went viral worldwide during the Paris Paralympics. Videos of her hitting bull’s-eyes inspired millions, earning widespread admiration and media coverage. Her story became a symbol of perseverance, showing how unconventional methods can triumph against odds. (X)
Within months of training, Sheetal stunned the world at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. She won two gold medals (individual and mixed team compound) and a silver in doubles. Competing against seasoned opponents, her success showcased extraordinary adaptability and fearlessness, marking her arrival as one of India’s most promising para-athletes. (X)
Sheetal quickly climbed the global rankings in para-archery. At the 2023 World Para Archery Championships in Pilsen, she claimed silver in the compound event, securing India’s Paralympic quota. She soon rose to World No. 1, proving she could dominate at the highest stage despite having started archery just a year earlier. (X)
At Hangzhou 2023, Sheetal became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at one Asian Para Games, adding a silver as well. Under pressure, she delivered clutch 10s in final rounds, showcasing composure beyond her years. The wins cemented her as India’s para-archery spearhead. (X)
At only 16, Sheetal received India’s prestigious Arjuna Award in January 2024. She was also named Best Youth Athlete 2023 by the Asian Paralympic Committee and Best Women Para Archer 2023 by World Archery. These honours solidified her reputation as a trailblazer and inspired countless young athletes, especially those with disabilities. (X)
At the 2024 Paralympics, Sheetal broke the ranking-round record with 703/720 points but narrowly missed an individual medal. However, she clinched bronze in the mixed team compound with Rakesh Kumar. At just 17, she became India’s youngest para-archery Paralympic medallist, boosting her global fame. (X)
On 27 September 2025, Sheetal scripted history, winning gold at the Para World Archery Championships. She beat world No. 1 Öznur Cure Girdi 146-143 in the final. This made her the first armless archer to win the title, confirming her as the sport’s global face. She also bagged a team silver for India. (X)
At just 18, Sheetal has achieved Paralympic bronze, Asian golds, world titles, and national honours. She is India’s youngest Arjuna awardee in para-archery and a symbol of possibility. Her goals include defending her titles, aiming for Paralympic gold in 2028, and inspiring rural and disabled athletes across India. (X)