Sheetal Devi Makes HISTORY: Joins India’s Main Archery Team!

By Harshit - Nov 07, 2025 05:42 PM
Last updated on Nov 07, 2025 05:42 PM

In a moment that will go down in Indian sporting history, Sheetal Devi, the armless para-archery world champion, has achieved what many thought was impossible — earning a spot in India’s able-bodied junior archery team for the upcoming Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah. The announcement not only marks a personal milestone for the 18-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir but also stands as a groundbreaking achievement for para-athletes across the globe. Sheetal’s inclusion is a testament to her indomitable spirit, relentless discipline, and the growing inclusivity in Indian sports.

Born without arms, Sheetal’s journey to this historic moment has been a saga of perseverance, courage, and extraordinary determination. From learning to shoot using her legs to winning the world title in para archery, she has constantly redefined the limits of human potential. Her story is no longer just about overcoming physical challenges — it is about transcending them entirely. Trained at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, she has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment for millions of young dreamers who refuse to be confined by circumstances.

For Sheetal, this selection into the able-bodied team is not merely a sporting accomplishment but a realization of a childhood dream. Her dedication, combined with the support of her coaches, peers, and the sporting community, has paved the way for one of the most inspirational stories in Indian sports. As she prepares to represent the nation among able-bodied competitors, Sheetal carries with her not only her bow and arrows but also the hopes of a nation inspired by her unshakable will.

Sheetal Devi’s Historic Selection

Para-archer Sheetal Devi, the reigning world compound champion born without arms, has once again made history. On Thursday, she was officially named to the Indian able-bodied junior team for the Asia Cup Stage 3 to be held in Jeddah. This remarkable milestone makes her the first para-athlete to represent India in an able-bodied international competition — a feat that highlights the evolving landscape of Indian sports and the inclusivity that modern athletics aims to foster.

Expressing her joy on social media, Sheetal shared, “When I started competing, I had a small dream — to one day compete alongside the able-bodied. I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going, learning from every setback. Today, that dream is one step closer.” Her heartfelt message resonated across the sports fraternity, garnering praise from athletes, celebrities, and fans worldwide who hailed her as a true symbol of perseverance.

From Paralympic Glory to Mainstream Triumph

Sheetal Devi’s rise to prominence began long before this selection. Her bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics had already positioned her as one of India’s most promising young athletes. However, this new achievement takes her story a step further. Competing alongside more than 60 able-bodied archers under identical conditions at the national selection trials in Sonipat, she stunned everyone by finishing third overall — an outcome that silenced all doubts about her abilities.

Her performance was nothing short of outstanding. In the qualification rounds, Sheetal scored a total of 703 points, with 352 in the first and 351 in the second, matching top qualifier Tejal Salve’s score. In the final rankings, Tejal secured the top spot with 15.75 points, followed by Vaidehi Jadhav with 15 points, while Sheetal claimed third place with 11.75 points — narrowly edging past Maharashtra’s Dnyaneshwari Gadadhe by just 0.25 points.

Training and Transformation in Katra

Behind Sheetal’s success lies years of rigorous training and mental conditioning at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra. Under the guidance of dedicated coaches and mentors, she developed her unique technique of drawing and releasing the bow using her feet — a method that stunned the global archery community. What started as an experimental approach has now evolved into a masterclass in balance, precision, and focus.

Her training schedule is intense, involving multiple sessions of strength conditioning, balance control, and tactical archery drills. But beyond the physical grind, it is Sheetal’s mental fortitude that sets her apart. Her story embodies the belief that no physical limitation can hinder the spirit of a determined athlete. Her coaches often speak about her unmatched focus and how she has inspired able-bodied teammates to push beyond their limits.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Archery Squad

The Archery Association of India announced the squads for both recurve and compound categories. Alongside Sheetal, several other talented athletes made the cut. The men’s recurve team includes Rampal Choudhary (AAI), Rohit Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), and Mayank Kumar (Haryana), while the women’s recurve lineup features Kondapavuluri Yuktha Sri (Andhra Pradesh), Vaishnavi Kulkarni (Maharashtra), and Kratika Bichpuriya (Madhya Pradesh).

In the compound category, the men’s team consists of Pradhuman Yadav, Vasu Yadav, and Devansh Singh — all representing Rajasthan. The women’s compound team features Tejal Salve, Vaidehi Jadhav (both from Maharashtra), and the inspirational Sheetal Devi from Jammu and Kashmir. With such a strong lineup, India looks poised to deliver an impressive performance in Jeddah.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

Sheetal Devi’s journey is far more than a sports story — it’s a tale of human courage, social inclusion, and unyielding determination. Her participation in the able-bodied team challenges the traditional boundaries of what is considered “possible” in competitive sports. Her presence on the team sends a powerful message that skill, passion, and perseverance are what truly define an athlete, not physical attributes.

Young athletes across India, especially those facing disabilities, see Sheetal as a beacon of hope. She has proven that dreams don’t need limitations — they need belief. Her achievements are not just medals and records; they are milestones that inspire others to break barriers, redefine success, and create new paths of possibility.

The Road Ahead for Sheetal Devi

As Sheetal gears up for the Asia Cup Stage 3, all eyes will be on her performance. Competing among the world’s top able-bodied archers will undoubtedly test her resilience and adaptability. Yet, given her record of overcoming every obstacle in her path, expectations remain high. Whether she returns with a medal or not, her participation alone has already reshaped the narrative of inclusivity in Indian sports.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Sheetal’s success has also started conversations about infrastructure and opportunities for differently-abled athletes in India. Her journey emphasizes the importance of equal access to training facilities, equipment, and competitions. With her growing influence, she may very well become a catalyst for systemic change in how India nurtures sporting talent.

A Symbol of India’s Emerging Sporting Spirit

India’s sporting landscape is witnessing a transformation — one where stories like Sheetal Devi’s are celebrated as national triumphs. Her achievements resonate deeply with a generation of athletes striving to prove that determination outweighs all odds. As India continues to grow as a global sports powerhouse, Sheetal’s contribution will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and excellence.

In the end, Sheetal Devi’s story is not just about breaking records or barriers — it’s about rewriting the narrative of what’s possible. With every arrow she releases, she aims not only for the target in front of her but for the hearts of millions who look up to her as a living embodiment of strength, grace, and unstoppable willpower. Her journey continues, and the world watches — inspired, humbled, and in awe of the girl who turned her challenges into wings.

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