Para-archer Sheetal Devi continues to script one of Indian sport’s most remarkable stories. The 18-year-old has been selected for the able-bodied junior team for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 Stage 3, set to take place in Jeddah.
Her selection marks a historic first – the first time a para-athlete has been chosen to represent India in an international competition in an able-bodied event.
Competing at the junior selection trials held at SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Sonipat from November 3-6, she finished third, securing her place in the Indian contingent for the Asia Cup.
Competing alongside able-bodied archers, Sheetal finished third in the trials to earn her place on the Indian team. She registered an aggregate score of 703 in the first qualification round, levelling the top scorer, Tejal Rajendra Salve. Eventually, Sheetal finished third, as Tejal and Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav claimed the first and second spots, respectively.
Reflecting on her milestone, Sheetal took to social media to express her joy and gratitude. “When I started competing, I had a small dream – to one day compete alongside the able-bodied. I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going, learning from every setback. Today, that dream is one step closer. In the Junior Asia Cup trials, I secured Rank 3 and will now represent India in the Sub Junior Asia Cup – in the able category,” she wrote.
Sheetal, who captured the imagination of the world by shooting arrows with her leg, won her first medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 in the mixed team compound event. By winning the medal, she became the first female archer to win a medal without arms, and only the second overall, after American Matt Stutzman, who won his third Paralympics gold in Paris.
Born without arms, Sheetal has inspired millions through her unmatched resilience and dedication. Competing using her legs to pull the string and release the bow, she has redefined what is possible in sport.
Sheetal has often spoken about drawing inspiration from Turkey’s Paralympic champion Oznur Cure Girdi, who also competes in able-bodied events globally.
Sheetal Devi rose to prominence in her debut season in 2023, when she sensationally won silver at the World Archery Para Championships. Her story also made headlines on the official website of the International Paralympic Committee.