In a year filled with triumph and perseverance, Sheetal Devi, the armless archer, made headlines as she clinched the para World championship title in 2025. Now, the young athlete has her eyes set on a new goal - to compete with able-bodied athletes, pushing her limits to unprecedented levels.
Sheetal Devi, a Para world champion and Paralympics medallist, recently showcased her skills at the able-bodied Compound Championship in Hyderabad. With a dream to succeed in a wider field alongside Paris Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh, Sheetal is gearing up for the Phase I trials for the Asian Games in Kolkata.
Despite facing long odds and adapting to recent rule changes in archery, Sheetal, who was born with underdeveloped limbs due to phocomelia, has shown unwavering determination. Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her to become the second armless archer to clinch the World Para title.
Coach Gaurav Sharma acknowledges the challenges Sheetal faces as she aims to compete and win medals in able-bodied events. With a focus on strength, endurance, and mental composure, Sharma believes Sheetal's progress and confidence are evident in her performances.
Sheetal's journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport. As she continues to break barriers and set new goals, her mantra remains simple - "Mehnat, mehnat aur mehnat" (Hard work, hard work, hard work).
Nitin Sharma is an Assistant Editor with a passion for covering Olympic sports disciplines. His in-depth storytelling and coverage of athletes' journeys have earned him prestigious awards and recognition. Follow Nitin's work to stay updated on the latest in sports news and inspiring stories of triumph.