Sheetal Devi was born on January 10, 2007, in Loidhar village, Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite being born with a physical condition that posed significant challenges, her athletic talent and determination shone through from an early age. As a child, Sheetal displayed remarkable willpower and spent her time climbing trees, an activity that helped her develop a strong upper body—an advantage that would later become a turning point in her life.
Sheetal Devi was with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that resulted in underdeveloped limbs, causing her arms to not fully form.
The Indian Army played a crucial role in launching Sheetal Devi’s career in para archery. In 2021, during a youth event organized by the Indian Army in Kishtwar, her natural athleticism and confidence were recognized by army coaches, setting her on the path to success in para archery.
Sheetal Devi made history by claiming a silver medal in the open women’s compound archery event at the World Archery Para Championships 2023 in the Czech Republic this July. As the first female armless archer to secure a medal at the Para World Championships, she not only achieved a personal milestone but also secured a quota for India for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Her impressive debut season continued at the Asian Para Games 2023 in October, where she won gold medals in both the individual compound and mixed team events, along with a silver medal in the women’s doubles competition.
Sheetal soon joined the academy of former archer and coach Kuldeep Vedwan. Competing among able-bodied archers at national competitions, her talent quickly became evident. Embracing an unconventional shooting technique using her legs and feet, similar to para archery legend Matt Stutzman, Sheetal competed at the Para Archery National Championship in Haryana in March-April 2022. According to Vedwan, this tournament was pivotal in earning Sheetal formal recognition as an Indian para archer.
Six months later, Sheetal Devi competed at the Junior National Championships among able-bodied archers in Goa. Although she did not win a medal, her performance was a significant morale boost for both her and her coach.
While many athletes spend years training before making their mark on the global stage, Sheetal Devi demonstrated that she belongs to the elite few with exceptional natural talent.
Sheetal wrapped up her year by winning the gold medal in the women’s compound open category at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games 2023 in New Delhi.
Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Sheetal Devi was named the Best Youth Athlete of the Year by the Asian Paralympic Committee. Additionally, she was nominated for the Arjuna Award at India’s National Sports Awards 2023, the second highest honor for Indian sportspersons after the Khel Ratna.