The Indian archer without arms shooting for a gold

Sheetal Devi, a remarkable 17-year-old archer from Jammu, India, is preparing to compete in the upcoming Paralympics, aiming for a gold medal. What sets Sheetal apart is that she was born without arms due to a rare condition called phocomelia. Despite this significant challenge, she has shown incredible determination and skill in archery. During her practice sessions, she sits on a chair, using her right leg to lift the bow, her right shoulder to pull back the string, and her jaw to release the arrow. Her calm demeanor and focus are evident as she aims at targets 50 meters away. Sheetal has already made a name for herself in the world of para-archery, having won a gold medal at the Asian Para Games and a silver medal at the Para-Archery World Championship in 2023, which qualified her for the Paralympics in Paris. 'I am inspired to win the gold,' she says, expressing her motivation to achieve even more. The Paralympics is a prestigious event that will feature around 4,400 athletes from various countries competing in 22 different sports. Archery has been part of the Paralympics since its inception in 1960. While countries like Great Britain, the USA, and South Korea have dominated the medal tally, India has only secured one bronze medal in the history of the Games. Athletes in para-archery are classified based on their level of impairment, which determines the distance they shoot and whether they can use assistive devices. Sheetal competes in the open category, where she has excelled, currently holding the top rank in the world for the compound open women's category. She will face tough competition in Paris, including world number three Jane Karla Gogel and reigning World Champion Oznur Cure. Sheetal's journey into archery began when she was 15 years old, after visiting a sports complex in Jammu on the recommendation of a friend. There, she met her coaches, Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue the sport. 'Sheetal did not choose archery; archery chose Sheetal,' says Coach Chaudhary. The coaches were impressed by her determination and the strength she had developed from using her legs for various activities. They worked together to create a customized bow that would allow her to shoot effectively. The training process was challenging, as they had to develop a technique that utilized her legs and upper body. They started with simple exercises using a rubber band to build her confidence before progressing to shooting with a real bow. Within just two years, Sheetal transformed from a novice to a gold medalist at the Asian Para Games, hitting six perfect shots in a row during the final. 'Even when I shoot a nine, I’m only thinking about how I can convert that into a 10 on the next shot,' she explains, showcasing her competitive spirit. Despite her success, Sheetal has made sacrifices along the way. She has not returned home since she began training in Katra two years ago, choosing to focus entirely on her preparation for the Paralympics. She hopes to return home with a medal, but regardless of the outcome, she is determined to give her best effort. 'I believe that no one has any limitations; it’s just about wanting something enough and working as hard as you can,' she states. Sheetal's story is an inspiring reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.