11 months ago
Para-Archer Sheetal Devi to Compete in Able-Bodied International Meet
An 18-year-old archer named Sheetal Devi, who was born without arms, has achieved a major milestone.
She has been selected to compete in an international archery competition with athletes who have no disabilities.
This was her dream for a long time, and she worked hard to achieve it.
Sheetal finished third in a national competition against many able-bodied archers to earn her spot.
She has previously won many medals in para-archery events, including at the Paralympics and World Championships.
Sheetal's journey shows that with dedication and perseverance, people can overcome challenges and reach their goals.
She believes that dreams take time and that continuous effort is key to success.
18-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi, born without arms, has been selected for India's junior able-bodied archery team.
Devi will compete in the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah, marking her debut in an able-bodied international meet.
She secured her spot by finishing third in the national selection trials against numerous able-bodied archers.
This achievement fulfills Devi's long-cherished dream of competing alongside athletes without disabilities.
Devi is a decorated para-archer with previous wins including a bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and a gold at the World Archery Para Championships.
- Who
- Sheetal Devi, an 18-year-old para-archer born without arms
- What
- Selected for India's junior able-bodied team to compete in the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah
- Where
- National selection trials held in Sonipat; Competition to be held in Jeddah.
- When
- Selection announced following national trials; Asia Cup Stage 3 scheduled for next month.
- Why
- She achieved this milestone by securing third place in the national selection trials, fulfilling her dream of competing alongside able-bodied athletes.
Sheetal's Perspective
General Competition
Goal Achievement
Sheetal's Perspective
Sheetal views her selection as a step closer to her lifelong dream of competing alongside able-bodied athletes, achieved through perseverance and learning from setbacks.
General Competition
The selection signifies Sheetal's performance exceeding that of many able-bodied archers in national trials, showcasing her competitive prowess.
Inspiration and Motivation
Sheetal's Perspective
Sheetal is motivated by her own journey and the belief that dreams take time, encouraging a cycle of 'Work. Believe. Repeat.'
General Competition
Her participation highlights the evolving inclusivity in sports and serves as an inspiration to others facing challenges.
Key facts
- Athlete
- Sheetal Devi
- Age
- 18
- Condition
- Phocomelia (born without arms)
- Sport
- Archery
- Upcoming Event
- Asia Cup Stage 3 (Jeddah)
- Team Selection
- India's junior able-bodied team
- Selection Basis
- Ranked 3rd in national selection trials
- Previous Major Achievements
- Bronze at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Gold at World Archery Para Championships, Gold at Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games
Timeline
Junior archers qualified for world championship in Canada.
They excelled at the Asia Cup, setting records.
Then, Sheetal Devi reached a para competition final.
She also secured a spot on the able-bodied junior team.
This marks a historic achievement for the armless archer.
Quotes
Sheetal Devi
An 18-year-old para-archer who is a Paralympic medallist and was born without arms due to phocomelia.
“When I started competing, I had a small dream – to one day compete alongside the able-bodied and win medals I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going, learning from every setback.”
thestatesman.com
“Now, that dream is one step closer. In the Asia Cup trials, I secured Rank 3 and will now represent India in the Asia Cup – in the able-bodied category. Dreams take time. Work. Believe. Repeat.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
‘Jo maanga tha, woh mil gaya’: Armless world champ Sheetal breaks new ground, makes able-bodied team
'Jo maanga tha, woh mil gaya'
Sheetal breaks new ground, qualifies for India’s able-bodied archery team for Asia Cup
Para-archer Sheetal Devi makes history, earns spot in India’s able-bodied archery squad for Asia Cup
Why Anand Mahindra ‘never had doubt’ of paralympic archer Sheetal Devi's inclusion in able-bodied category at Asia Cup
18-year-old para archer Sheetal Devi qualifies for India’s THIS archery team
Para-archery sensation Sheetal Devi makes history after being included in India's able-bodied junior team
Para Archery World Champion Sheetal Devi qualifies for her first international able-bodied event: ‘I have not seen myself as lesser than anybody’
Sheetal Devi Creates History: Para-Archer Selected for Able-Bodied Junior Team for Asia Cup Stage 3
Sheetal Devi Sets New Precedent By Earning Place In First Able-Bodied International Meet
Dreams take time: Para-archer Sheetal looks forward to competing with able-bodied athletes



