Sheetal Devi: India’s Rising Star Aiming for Paralympic Gold
Seventeen-year-old archer Sheetal Devi is setting her sights on winning gold for India at the upcoming Paralympics, scheduled to begin on August 28 in Paris. Born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition, Devi stands out as the world’s first and only active female archer competing without arms. Her remarkable journey has captured the attention of sports enthusiasts and advocates across the globe.
Devi, hailing from Jammu district, showcases her unique skills during rigorous training sessions. Seated and focused, she elevates her bow using her right leg, pulls back the string with her shoulder, and releases the arrow using her jaw. Her determination and unwavering calm demeanor have made her a role model, especially after securing a gold medal at the recent Asian Para Games.
“I am inspired to win the gold,” says Devi. “Every medal I have won so far fuels my ambition for more – I have only just begun.”
This year’s Paralympics will see around 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports. Archery, a key event since the Games’ inception in 1960, offers a platform for athletes with varying impairments to showcase their talents. Despite the fierce competition from global powerhouses in archery, India’s representation has been limited to a single bronze medal over the years.
As she prepares for the Games, Devi holds the top rank in the compound open women’s category and recently secured a silver at the Para-Archery World Championship, which qualified her for Paris. She is expected to face tough contenders, including world number three Jane Karla Gogel and reigning World Champion Oznur Cure.
Devi’s coaching team is confident in her potential, having recognized her talent early on during her unexpected introduction to archery at the age of 15. With limited resources, her coach creatively sourced materials to customize equipment to suit her training needs. Devi’s dedication, honed from years of adapting to her condition, has allowed her to excel, making significant strides in her technique and performance.
“The journey has not been easy,” Devi admits. “There were moments I felt it was impossible, but I pushed through. I believe that no one has any limitations; it’s all about determination and hard work."
As she trains relentlessly, Devi remains focused on her goal: to return home from the Paralympics adorned with a medal, a testament to her remarkable spirit and a message of hope for aspiring athletes everywhere.
