Asian Para Games 2023: Sheetal Devi, India's first female archer without arms, creates history in Hangzhou

Asian Para Games 2023: Indian para archer, Sheetal Devi, made the nation proud by winning two medals in the ongoing multi-nation sporting competition in Para Games Hangzhou 2022.

The teenage archer - who was born without arms - became the first Indian woman to clinch two gold medals in a single edition of the tournament. She completed a hattrick of medals in the competition after winning gold in the compound mixed team event and silver in the women's doubles.

Who is para-archer Sheetal Devi?

Sheetal Devi- who hails from Jammu and Kashmir - faced a formidable opponent in the individual women's compound archery final when she competed against Singapore's Alim Nur Syahidah.

This 16-year-old archer hailing from Loidhar village in Kishtwar holds the distinction of being the "first female archer without arms to compete internationally," as acknowledged by World Archery, the governing body of the sport.

In the midst of immense pressure, the young archer demonstrated the composure and precision of a seasoned professional. She delivered an impressive series of six consecutive ten-ring shots in the last two rounds. This incredible comeback performance resulted in another Gold medal for India, further enriching the country's medal count.

Commending the young para-archer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Proud of Sheetal Devi on her extraordinary Gold Medal in Archery Women's Individual Compound open event at the Asian Para Games. This achievement is a testament to her grit and determination."

Sheetal Devi's origin, early struggles

Sheetal Devi's roots trace back to the remote village of Loi Dhar in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. She was born with Phocomelia, an uncommon congenital disorder that results in the underdevelopment of limbs. Her journey from this rugged mountainous region to the international sporting stage stands as a testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.

Sheetal Devi's journey in archery

Sheetal's introduction to archery occurred when she was discovered by the Indian Army at a youth sports event in Kishtwar back in 2019. Originally, the plan was to provide her with a prosthetic arm, but when this plan didn't materialise, she was introduced to the world of archery. Despite initial challenges, Sheetal displayed unwavering determination, practicing diligently until she could proficiently handle a bow.

Sheetal's archery journey officially began in 2022, and her perspective on para-sports underwent a transformation during a visit to the national championships. Reminiscing her early days and introduction to archery, her coach, Kuldeep Kumar, claimed he asked Sheetal to visit the academy and observe people and she progressed rapidly. When she saw other para archers with various disabilities at national championships, she developed a keen interest in the sport.

Sheetal's unique archery technique involves employing her right leg to raise the bow and take aim, all the while drawing the string back with her right shoulder. To assist her in releasing the arrow, her coach designed a specialised mouth-held instrument. In 2023, Sheetal made headlines by securing a Silver medal at the Para-Archery World Championship in the Czech Republic.

Sheetal's distinctive archery style is inspired by the renowned armless archer, Matt Stutzman. Notably, Sheetal had the privilege of meeting Stutzman at the World Archery Para Championships in Pilsen earlier this year, where the legendary Para archer even used her bow.

Sheetal's extraordinary journey is just commencing, and her accomplishments in Hangzhou are a potent source of inspiration for continuing to break barriers and consistently hitting the bull's eye. Her story is a living testament to the unconquerable spirit and determination that can surmount any obstacle.