India’s largest-ever contingent at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is setting the stage for some extraordinary performances, and 17-year-old Sheetal Devi is one of the standout stars. On Thursday, she made history by becoming the youngest competitor in women’s para archery and setting a new world record in the mixed compound category.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Sheetal Devi, alongside her partner Rakesh Kumar, scored an incredible 1399 in the mixed compound archery event, breaking the world record. In the individual compound rankings rounds, she achieved a personal best mark of 703, finishing second, just one point shy of the world record held by Turkey’s O. Cure, who scored 704 points.
Sheetal Devi’s Inspirational Journey
Born on January 10, 2007, in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi’s life story is one of resilience and determination. She was born with a condition called phocomelia, which resulted in her being born without arms. Despite this challenge, she became one of only four armless archers competing at the Paralympics.
Her journey into archery began in 2019 when she was discovered by the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit. The Army provided her with the necessary support for her education and medical care. Although prosthetics were not a viable option for her, Sheetal demonstrated incredible adaptability, surprising her coaches with her ability to climb trees using her legs.
Her archery style was modeled after Matt Stutzman, an American archer born without arms who uses his legs to shoot. Within just 11 months of training, Sheetal participated in the 2022 Asian Para Games, where she won two gold medals in the mixed doubles and women’s individual compound events, and a silver medal in the women’s double compound event. She became the first and only international para-archery champion without upper limbs.
Recognitions and Awards
Sheetal’s exceptional talent and achievements have earned her several accolades. In 2023, she was named the Best Youth Athlete of the Year by the Asian Paralympic Committee. She also received the prestigious Arjuna Award from the Government of India in the same year.
Looking Ahead
As Sheetal continues to break barriers and set new records, all eyes are on her as she prepares for the mixed team compound archery quarter-final on September 2, 2024. With her incredible journey and achievements, Sheetal Devi is not just a champion in archery but a symbol of inspiration for athletes around the world.
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