New Delhi, March 31, 2026 : World No. 1 para archer Sheetal Devi has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ award by World Archery, marking another milestone in her extraordinary journey of resilience and excellence.
Speaking from Bangkok, where she is currently competing, the 19-year-old from Kishtwar said the recognition reflects years of hard work, setbacks, and silent sacrifices.
“Don’t let anyone define your limits. Your journey is your own—stay patient, trust the process, and keep showing up every single day,” she said.
Historic Achievements
Sheetal Devi recently created history at the 2025 World Para Archery Championships in South Korea by:
- Defeating defending champion Öznur Cüre
- Becoming the first armless woman in history to win a world championship title
A Story of Grit & Reinvention
Born without arms due to a rare congenital condition, Sheetal has redefined the sport with her unique technique:
- Uses her toes to pick and load arrows
- Employs a custom releaser device attached to her shoulder
- Relies on intense focus, balance, and precision to shoot
Her journey saw a major challenge last year when World Archery rule changes forced her to rebuild her entire technique.
Coach Gaurav Sharma highlighted:
- Complete retraining of posture and shooting style
- Focus on core strength, mental resilience, and adaptation
- Months of disciplined effort to regain top form
Mindset & Discipline
Despite doubts and setbacks, Sheetal Devi chose to step away from the spotlight and focus solely on training:
- 6-day intense training schedule (8 AM to 6 PM)
- Sundays reserved for recovery and rest
“Those tough moments shaped me the most—they taught me resilience,” she reflected.
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on major international medals, Sheetal remains committed to consistency, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that limitations exist only to be broken.
