In a powerful moment for Indian sports, Sheetal Devi, an 18-year-old para archer from Jammu and Kashmir, has shattered barriers by becoming the first para-athlete from India to be selected for an able-bodied national archery team. She will represent India in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this December, competing in the compound women’s team category. This historic selection underscores the growing focus on merit-based inclusivity and the exceptional talent emerging from the para-sports ecosystem in India.
Sheetal Devi was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition resulting in the absence of arms. Despite this challenge, she has redefined athletic excellence by adapting her archery technique to use legs and shoulders to shoot arrows.
Her rapid rise and consistent international success have made her a formidable competitor even among able-bodied archers.
The selection trials for India’s compound archery team were conducted from 3rd to 6th November 2025 at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence, Sonipat.
This selection marks Sheetal Devi as the first Indian para archer to join an able-bodied team for an international competition.
Sheetal Devi’s inclusion in the able-bodied national team is a historic moment for Indian sports.
This achievement represents a turning point in Indian sports, fostering a culture where ability matters more than disability.
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