Sheetal Devi, the teenage para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir, has become a global inspiration. Born without arms due to a rare condition, she learned to shoot using her legs and chin. At the Para Games in New Delhi, she scripted history by winning a gold medal in the compound archery event, adding another milestone to her already remarkable journey.
Her victory came with composure and confidence, as she defeated top international archers to bring glory to India. This triumph, along with her rise to World No. 1, has made her one of the brightest stars in para-sports worldwide.
Sheetal Devi gets Support from the Indian Army
In 2019, during a local event, the Rashtriya Rifles saw Sheetal’s talent. They decided to help her with education and medical needs. Later, coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Wadhwan trained her in archery.
THE HISTORICAL MOMENTS FOLKS! 🔥🤩
India’s First Ever Individual Para Archery World Champion – Sheetal Devi 🇮🇳🏆pic.twitter.com/5G58Wr4mGj
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 27, 2025
They took ideas from American archer Matt Stutzman, who shoots without arms. With their help, Sheetal learned to shoot using her legs and chin. By 2022, she had started her archery journey.
Unique Shooting Style Goes Viral
When Sheetal entered big competitions, her special style caught everyone’s eye. She held the bow with her feet and chin, shooting arrows with accuracy. Videos of her amazing skills during the Paris Paralympics went viral. Millions of people admired her determination. She soon became a symbol of hope and strength in sports.
Sheetal’s debut was unforgettable. At the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, she won two gold medals in individual and mixed team events, plus a silver in doubles. She faced experienced players but showed no fear. Her success proved she was one of India’s most promising para-athletes.
Sheetal Devi Rising to World No. 1
Her progress was swift. At the 2023 World Para Archery Championships in Pilsen, she won silver in the compound event and secured India’s Paralympic spot. Soon after, she became the World No. 1 para-archer, showing she could rule the global stage despite starting only a year earlier.
At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Sheetal created history again. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at one edition, along with a silver. She handled pressure like a pro, scoring perfect 10s when it mattered most. In January 2024, she received the Arjuna Award, making her India’s youngest para-archery winner. She was also named Best Youth Athlete 2023 by the Asian Paralympic Committee and Best Women Para Archer 2023 by World Archery.
Paralympic Glory at 17
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Sheetal broke the ranking round record with 703 out of 720 points. She narrowly missed an individual medal but won bronze in the mixed team compound with Rakesh Kumar. This made her India’s youngest Paralympic medallist in para-archery.
World Champion at 18
On 27 September 2025, Sheetal achieved her greatest victory. She defeated world No. 1 Öznur Cure Girdi 146-143 to win gold at the Para World Archery Championships. This made her the first armless archer ever to win the world title. She also added a silver medal in the team event for India.
Symbol of Possibility
At only 18, Sheetal has achieved more than many athletes dream of — Paralympic bronze, Asian Games golds, world titles, and top national awards. She inspires rural youth and disabled athletes across India. Her next dream is to defend her titles and win Paralympic gold in 2028. Sheetal’s life shows that with courage and dedication, no obstacle is too big.
