Born with a rare condition called Phocomelia, India’s 17-year-old armless archer, Ms. Sheetal Devi, defies all odds.
Winner of a Bronze medal with archery partner Shri Rakesh Kumar, her determination catches every eye. She is second-ranked in the Compound Women’s Open Ranking in the Para category (Individual), previously climbing to the summit after winning a Silver medal at the World Championships 2023.
Photo courtesy Technovans
Sheetal Devi was born in Loidhar village in Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir, India, in 2007. Despite her physical limitations, her fighting attitude allowed her to master archery skills and represent her country. Some credit behind her success also goes to the Indian Army, who spotted her talent, supported her education, and provided medical assistance.
But there were roadblocks. For instance, her coaches tried to help her with prosthetics, which did not work out. After spending much time, coaches learned about Matt Stutzman, a paralympic archer who won a Silver medal in the Paralympics 2012, and trained her similarly.
Ms. Devi has won accolades at the Asian Para Games (2022), a Silver medal at the World Archery Para Championship (2023), Gold medals in individual and mixed team events at the Asian Para Games (2023), and a Bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Last year, she was awarded the Arjuna Award (the second-highest sporting honor in India), Best Youth Athlete of the Year (Asian Paralympic Committee), and Best Women Para Archer of the Year (World Archery).
Devi is an inspiration, especially to children who are born with birth defects, estimated by the World Health Organization to be about 8 million children worldwide. Her message: You can achieve anything you want!
