Paralympic medallist archer Sheetal Devi remarked on her new accomplishment after making history by gaining a spot in her first able-bodied international tournament. She stated that she achieved her aim of competing with the able-bodied athletes by learning from every setback. After placing third in the final women’s compound rankings at the four-day national selection trials in Sonipat, the 18-year-old para-archer secured a spot in the junior archery team for the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah next month. For Sheetal, who was born without arms because of a rare congenital ailment known as phocomelia, the accomplishment represents the fulfillment of a lifelong desire.
“When I first started competing, my modest goal was to compete with the physically fit and take home medals. Even though I didn’t succeed at first, I persisted and learned from each failure. That dream is now one step closer. I placed third in the Asia Cup trials and will now compete for India in the able-bodied division. Dreams require time.” Sheetal posted on X, “Work. Believe. Repeat.” The armless archer from Jammu and Kashmir, who won bronze at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, won gold in the compound women’s individual event at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju, Korea, marking her maiden world title.
