India Celebrates Sheetal Devi, the Nation’s First Para Archer in Mainstream Team

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.

From Challenge to Champion: Sheetal Devi’s Journey

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.

Key Achievements

• 2023 Asian Para Games: 2 Gold Medals
• 2023 World Archery Championships: Silver Medal
• 2024 Paris Paralympics (Mixed Team): Bronze Medal at age 17, becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medallist
• 2025 World Archery Para Championships, Gwangju: Gold Medal in the individual event, defeating top global competitors

Her rapid rise and consistent international success have made her a formidable competitor even among able-bodied archers.

Historic Selection for Able-Bodied Team

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.

• Competition: Over 60 able-bodied archers
• Result: Sheetal Devi finished third, qualifying with a score of 703
• Team Members for Asia Cup 2025: Tejal Rajendra Salve, Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav, and Sheetal Devi

This selection marks Sheetal Devi as the first Indian para archer to join an able-bodied team for an international competition.

Significance of the Milestone

Sheetal Devi’s inclusion in the able-bodied national team is a historic moment for Indian sports.

Why This Matters

• Breaking Stereotypes: Demonstrates that skill and determination can transcend physical limitations
• Merit-Based Selection: Highlights a shift towards performance-based evaluation in Indian sports
• Inclusive Sports Policies: Encourages the consideration of para-athletes for mainstream competitions
• Inspirational Role Model: Motivates young athletes across India, especially those facing physical challenges

This achievement represents a turning point in Indian sports, fostering a culture where ability matters more than disability.

Quick Facts

• Age: 18
• Hometown: Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Condition: Phocomelia (born without arms)
• Archery Style: Uses legs and shoulders
• Major Medals: 2 Gold (Asian Para Games 2023), Silver (World Archery 2023), Bronze (Paris 2024 Paralympics), Gold (World Para Championships 2025)
• Historic Selection: First Indian para archer in an able-bodied national team