As the Paris Paralympics 2024 approaches, India is gearing up to witness its largest contingent in the history of the Games, with 84 para-athletes ready to compete across 22 sports. Among them is Sheetal Devi, a name that has quickly become synonymous with hope and inspiration. At just 17 years old, this young archer from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir is poised to make history with her remarkable talent and unwavering determination.
A Remarkable Journey from Kishtwar to Paris
Sheetal Devi hails from Kishtwar, a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir. Born into a humble farming family, she faced challenges from the very beginning. Sheetal was born without both her hands, a condition known as phocomelia. Despite this, she refused to let her disability define her or limit her potential. With the support of her family—her father, a farmer, and her mother, who tends to goats—Sheetal embarked on a journey that would take her from the fields of her village to the grand stage of the Paralympics.
Mastering the Art of Archery Without Hands
What makes Sheetal’s story even more extraordinary is her unique approach to archery. Using only her feet, Sheetal has mastered a technique that allows her to shoot arrows with precision and power. Seated on a chair, she holds the bow with her right foot, pulls the string back using her right shoulder, and releases the arrow with her jaw. This incredible feat has not only stunned spectators but also made Sheetal the world’s first and only active female archer to compete without hands.
In 2023, her hard work and perseverance paid off when she secured a silver medal at the Para-Archery World Championships. This achievement earned her a spot at the Paris Paralympics, where she is now one of India’s strongest contenders for a medal.
A Historic Performance at the Asian Para Games 2023
Sheetal’s journey to the Paralympics was paved with several remarkable accomplishments. One of the highlights of her career so far was her performance at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. There, she made history by winning three medals, including two golds, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve such a feat in a single edition of the Games. Her exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, and she was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, recognizing her outstanding achievements in sports.
The Turning Point: Discovering Archery
Sheetal’s introduction to archery was serendipitous. Until the age of 15, she had never seen a bow and arrow. Her life took a turn in 2022 when, on the recommendation of an acquaintance, she visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu. It was there that she met coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, who introduced her to the world of archery. Recognizing her potential, they invited her to join a training camp in Katra, and from that moment on, Sheetal’s life changed forever.
Looking Ahead to Paris 2024
As Sheetal Devi prepares to represent India at the Paris Paralympics 2024, the expectations are high. Competing against some of the world’s best, including world number three Jen Carla Gogel and reigning world champion Oznur Cur, Sheetal faces a challenging road ahead. However, her journey so far has shown that she is no stranger to overcoming obstacles.
Sheetal’s story is not just about athletic excellence; it is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. With her indomitable will and exceptional talent, Sheetal Devi is set to inspire millions as she aims for glory in Paris. As she steps onto the Paralympic stage, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of an entire nation, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
