Sheetal Devi, a resilient para-archer hailing from Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu, recognizing Sheetal’s outstanding achievements in para-archery despite facing physical challenges.
Born with phocomelia, a condition affecting the development of her arms, Sheetal overcame significant hurdles from an early age. Her determination and tenacity led her to excel in activities that contributed to her physical strength, laying the foundation for her remarkable journey in archery.
Sheetal’s entry into professional archery unfolded during an event organized by the Indian Army in Kishtwar in 2019. Under the guidance of Kuldeep Vedwan, a former archer, Sheetal developed a unique shooting technique using her feet and legs, akin to the renowned armless archer, Matt Stutzman.
The pinnacle of Sheetal’s achievements came at the World Archery Para Championships 2023 in the Czech Republic, where she secured a silver medal, making history as the first female armless archer to achieve such a feat. This triumph not only earned her widespread acclaim but also secured her a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Sheetal’s success continued at the Asian Para Games 2023, where she clinched multiple medals, including gold in the individual compound and mixed team events, along with a silver in the women’s doubles.
Her outstanding contributions to the sport were further acknowledged through several prestigious awards. Sheetal was honored as the Best Youth Athlete of the Year by the Asian Paralympic Committee and received the title of Best Women’s Para Archer of the Year by World Archery. Furthermore, she attained the top ranking in women’s compound para archery in 2023, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in para-archery.