Why India’s armless archer Sheetal’s recent achievement is so special

Dubai: India’s trailblazing armless archer, Sheetal Devi, recently shared a heartfelt post: “When I started playing, I had a small dream — to one day compete with able-bodied archers. I didn’t succeed at first, but I never gave up. I learnt from every defeat. Today, that dream is one step closer.”

It was more than just a social media update — it was a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and unshakeable belief.

At just 18 years old, Sheetal made history by becoming the first Indian para-archer to be selected for the able-bodied junior team. She earned this remarkable achievement after finishing third at the national selection trials in Haryana for the upcoming Asia Cup in Jeddah, competing under identical conditions alongside 60 able-bodied archers.

In the qualification round, Sheetal scored 703 points (352 + 351), matching top qualifier Tejal Salve. In the final rankings, Tejal secured first place with 15.75 points, followed by Vaidehi Jadhav (15.75), and Sheetal in third with 11.75, narrowly edging out Maharashtra’s Gyaneshwari Gadhe (11.5).

Her achievement drew admiration across the country, including from industrialist Anand Mahindra, who wrote:

“Sheetal, I never had ANY doubt that you were ‘able-bodied.’ In fact, you are more able-bodied than all the rest of us ... And your heart is the strongest. You make India proud.”

Long before this milestone, Sheetal had already become one of India’s most decorated para-archers. At the Paris Paralympics, she clinched a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event alongside Rakesh Kumar, narrowly defeating Italy’s Matteo Bonacina and Eleonora Sarti 156—155.

In the women’s individual compound event, she scored 703 points in the ranking round — just one point shy of breaking the world record held by Turkey’s Oznur Cure.

Her growing list of achievements includes two golds and a silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, and a silver medal at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. These accomplishments have firmly established her as one of India’s greatest para-athletes.

Extraordinary grit

Born in the remote mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal was born without arms. What makes her story truly extraordinary is that she learnt archery using her feet — mastering balance, precision, and strength through relentless practice and patience.

Her training focused on building core strength, stability, and synchronisation between posture, breath, and motion — elements that challenge even seasoned archers.

But beyond the physical, Sheetal’s qualification for the able-bodied category carries a deeper meaning. Her journey underscores the importance of inclusive opportunities, better infrastructure, and a mindset that values determination over limitation.

After the Paris Paralympics, Sheetal’s journey took another turn. She moved to Patiala to train under coach Gaurav Sharma at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra. When the World Archery Federation banned archers from touching their heel to the bow, she had to completely relearn her technique.

“She had to start from zero again,” said Coach Sharma. “The new method required more control and balance. Her leg often hurt, but she never gave up.”

Calm and focused

Despite setbacks, Sheetal’s resolve only grew stronger. She shared online,

“I missed practice sessions, lost matches, and people said my time was over. But I ignored all that. My coach told me we don’t need to reply — our arrows will answer.”

And they did. In September, she became the Para World Compound Champion in Guangzhou.

Coach Sharma reflected, “She is calm and focused. I was surprised when her name appeared on the final list — it’s unbelievable that a para-athlete is now competing equally with India’s best able-bodied archers.”

Looking ahead, the team aims to balance her participation in both para and able-bodied events. “Next year’s Asian Para Games will be our main focus,” Sharma said, “but we’ll also aim for the able-bodied senior trials.”

Sheetal Devi’s journey is far from over — but already, she has redefined what it means to be able. Her story is not just about archery; it’s about breaking barriers, defying odds, and proving that the human spirit knows no limits.