Who Is Sheetal Devi? Lesser Known Facts About The World's First Armless Archer

16-year-old Sheetal Devi is scripting history at the Asian Para Games, making India proud. Devi is the world's first armless archer to be a part of the games this year. At the women's doubles event, Sheetal won a silver and bagged gold in the women's compound open event. For the last win, she shot six consecutive ten-rings in the last two rounds at the final.

The teen girl's journey to Asian Para Games 2023 is proof that with determination, and belief in yourself, you can do anything in life. Her big wins at the games are an inspiration for billions of Indians, a glimmer of hope for many who don't follow their dreams thinking they aren't enough.

Former TV actor, Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani took to her Instagram and shared Sheetal's story captured in a beautiful video.

Sheetal Devi Has Phocomelia Syndrome

When Sheetal was born, she was diagnosed with phocomelia syndrome, a condition where her limbs remain underdeveloped. Phocomelia is a rare congenital disorder where the limbs are malformed. Initially, things weren't easy for her but with the support of her family, she continues to live her life like any other normal being. At the beginning when she thought of getting into archery, it was difficult for her to even lift a bow but with practice, she aced it.

Sheetal Devi Hails From Jammu And Kashmir

Devi hails from Loidhar village in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Growing up, she used to idolise sportspersons and wondered if she too could ever take that route in life. Her upper body was assessed and deemed fit for archery and swimming.

Sheetal Devi’s Para-Archer Training

Sheetal's journey began when she undertook para-archer training at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra. She trained under coaches, Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwa. For Sheetal, the trainers got the regular arch releaser into a shoulder releaser.

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In an interview with WION, the coaches shared that Sheetal started with throwing 50-100 arrows daily and soon she shot 300 in a day. Soon, she made it to the Para Open Nationals and won a silver medal.

Image Courtesy: Olympic gold quest

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A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial)

In the video shared by Smriti Irani on her Insta handle, Sheetal takes us through her journey, a day with her family, fun moments with her little sibling, friends at school, and finally at her training center where she always steps in with her dream to make it big in life. Devi believes no one has any shortcomings.

Truly inspirational! 🇮🇳🎯

Congratulations to Sheetal Devi for winning gold🥇in the Archery Women's Individual Compound Open event at the #AsianParaGames.

Her extraordinary performance has brought glory to our nation. pic.twitter.com/eSkUeW8lop

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 27, 2023

Prime Minister Modi also congratulated the archer on her big win on his X handle (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "Proud of Sheetal Devi on her extraordinary Gold Medal in Archery Women's Individual Compound open event at the Asian Para Games. This achievement is a testament to her grit and determination."

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Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the People's Republic Of China began on October 22 and will culminate today. India has won a total of 99 medals at the event, 25 gold, 29 silver, and 45 bronze medals.