Sheetal Devi is a young and inspiring Indian para-archer who has made history in the world of archery. On October 1, 2025, she is celebrated as one of India's brightest sporting stars. Born on January 10, 2007, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal has overcome great physical challenges to become one of the best archers in the world. She was born with a rare condition called phocomelia, which means she has no arms. Despite this, Sheetal has shown amazing strength and skill in archery, using her legs, chin, and shoulder to shoot arrows with precision and power.
Early Life
Sheetal Devi’s early life was not easy. Being born without arms made daily tasks difficult, but Sheetal learned to use her legs very skillfully from a young age. In 2019, during a youth event in her hometown, she was noticed by the Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles unit. The Army provided her with help for education and medical support because they saw her determination and strength. This support changed her life and opened the door for her future in sports.
Sheetal Devi Archery Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Father & Family
Started Archery
Sheetal had never tried archery until 2022 when she met coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan at a sports complex in Katra. These coaches were amazed by her confidence and strong spirit. They decided to train her even though she did not have arms. Using inspiration from Matt Stutzman, a famous archer who also shoots with his legs, they made special equipment for Sheetal. She holds the bow with her right leg, pulls the string with her right shoulder, and releases the arrow using her jaw and mouth. The equipment was designed with local materials and included special straps and a mouthpiece to help her shoot.
Training And Achievements
Sheetal’s training was very intense. She started by shooting 50 to 100 arrows every day, and soon she was shooting up to 300 arrows daily as she grew stronger. Within less than a year, she participated in the 2022 Asian Para Games and won two gold medals and a silver medal, a remarkable achievement for a newcomer. Her success continued with medals in World Championships and other major competitions, making her one of the top para-archers worldwide.
In 2024, Sheetal became the youngest Indian to win a medal at the Paralympics held in Paris. She won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event alongside Rakesh Kumar. This achievement inspired millions and earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award, a top Indian sports honor, presented by the President of India in January 2024.
Style And Technique
Sheetal’s archery style is unique and breathtaking. Instead of using hands, she balances the bow with her leg, pulls the bowstring with her shoulder, and releases it with her mouth. This technique requires great strength and precise control. Her coaches had to invent new ways of training and equipment to suit her needs. Sheetal’s ability to adapt and master these skills shows her courage and passion for archery.
Recent Success And Future
By September 2025, Sheetal made history by winning a gold medal in the women’s compound individual category at the Para World Archery Championship. She defeated the world number one archer from Turkey with a close score of 146-143. This win confirmed her position as a world-class athlete and made her a role model for many young people, especially those with disabilities. She also won team medals, including silver and bronze, showing her strong teamwork skills.
Sheetal’s journey is just beginning. She continues to train hard and aims to win more international medals. Her story is about never giving up, fighting against all odds, and proving that physical limitations do not stop anyone from achieving great success.
Conclusion
Sheetal Devi is a remarkable young athlete whose life story is both inspiring and empowering. Born without arms, she used her determination, courage, and talent to become a world-class archer. Supported by her coaches and the Indian Army, she overcame many challenges to win medals at the Asian Para Games, World Championships, and the Paralympics. Sheetal’s story teaches us that hard work and belief in oneself can overcome even the toughest obstacles. She is not just a champion in archery but also a champion in life.
