Sheetal Devi Makes History as First Para-Athlete to Qualify for Able-Bodied Indian Archery Team

Sonipat, Haryana — Precision, patience, and persistence — these are the trademarks of archery. For Sheetal Devi, they are also the story of her life. On Thursday, the 18-year-old para-archery world champion from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, made history by becoming the first para-athlete from India to qualify for an able-bodied international archery event.

Sheetal secured her spot in the women’s compound individual category after finishing third in the national selection trials held in Sonipat, earning her a place on India’s team for the Junior Asia Cup Stage 3, to be held in Saudi Arabia next month.

“Humne kar diya” — Her Signature Victory Cry

Every time Sheetal wins, she smiles through tears and says the same words: “Humne kar diya. I’ve done it.”

Her coach Gaurav Sharma, who has trained her since her early teens, said Thursday’s win was no different — only, this time, there was a little more emotion.

“We were shocked, we were happy, we were emotional,” Sharma said. “Competing in an able-bodied event has been her dream for a year. Her willpower is unbelievable. You can never predict what she will achieve next.”

From Para Champion to Able-Bodied Contender

Sheetal’s journey from the hills of Loidhar to the world stage is nothing short of cinematic. Born without arms, she learned to use her feet to draw, aim, and release arrows with astonishing precision.

In just two years since taking up archery, she has broken barriers few thought possible:

• 🥈 2023: First armless woman to win a medal at the World Para Archery Championships (silver).
• 🥇🥈 2023: Gold and silver at the Para Asian Games.
• 🥉 2024: Bronze at the Paris Paralympics (Mixed Team event) before turning 18.
• 🥇 2024: Became World No. 1 in women’s compound para archery.

“She’s already conquered the para world. Now she’s setting new goals,” Sharma said. “This selection proves that physical limitation is no limitation for excellence.”

Competing With and Among Equals

At her training base in Patiala, Sheetal regularly practices alongside able-bodied archers, including Harvinder Singh, India’s first Paralympic medalist in archery.

“She’s always had this mindset that she’s no different,” Sharma explained. “She insists on doing everything herself — from setting up her equipment to stringing her bow. Her sense of self-reliance drives her.”

A Refreshing Pause Before a Historic Leap

Interestingly, Sheetal didn’t follow a strict routine ahead of the trials. Instead, after her World Championship gold, she took a month-long break to visit her hometown.

“She went home to Loidhar after a long time. She loves home-cooked food, fresh milk, and tending to livestock,” Sharma said with a smile. “By the time she came back on October 27, she was mentally fresh — and it showed.”

What Lies Ahead

Sheetal’s selection has created a unique scheduling dilemma for the Archery Association of India (AAI), as the Junior Asia Cup clashes with the Youth Para Asian Games, where she’s currently the top-ranked contender.

“The federation will take the final call,” Sharma said. “But if it’s up to us, she’ll choose the Asia Cup. Competing internationally against able-bodied athletes would mean a lot to her.”

Whatever the decision, one thing is certain — Sheetal Devi’s story has already rewritten the rules of what is possible in sport.

Her Own Words

“When I started competing, I had a small dream — to one day compete alongside the able-bodied. I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going. Today, that dream is one step closer.”
— Sheetal Devi, on social media