Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archer from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir, has made a remarkable debut at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Despite facing tremendous challenges in her life, Sheetal’s determination and talent have brought her into the global spotlight. Born without arms due to a rare congenital condition called Phocomelia, Sheetal has not just participated in the Paralympics but has created history by breaking records and winning hearts worldwide.
Record-Breaking Performance in Paris
On the first day of the Paralympic Games in Paris, Sheetal Devi delivered an outstanding performance in the archery ranking round. She scored an impressive 703 points, momentarily breaking the world record. Though her record was later surpassed by Turkey’s Oznur Girdi Kure, who scored 704 points, Sheetal’s feat remains historic. She not only became the first Indian woman archer to score over 700 points in a Paralympic event but also marked her personal best score in international competition.
Rising Above Challenges
Hailing from Kishtwar, a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal’s journey to the Paralympics has been anything but easy. Born with a disability, Sheetal has always faced difficulties but never allowed them to define her. Instead, she has turned her challenges into her strength. Her story is one of perseverance and courage. Sheetal’s recent achievement is a testament to her dedication to archery and her passion for representing India on the global stage.
Inspiring a Nation
Following her incredible performance, Sheetal Devi has received widespread praise from all over the country. Many, including famous personalities like Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, have lauded her spirit and talent. Fans across social media have been inspired by her story and her determination to overcome the odds. Her journey from a small village to becoming a world-class athlete is a source of motivation for many young sports enthusiasts in India.
Success in Mixed Team Event
Sheetal didn’t just shine in the individual event. Along with her teammate Rakesh Kumar, she created history in the mixed team archery event at the Paralympics. Together, they scored a combined total of 1,399 points, setting a new world and Paralympic record for the mixed team event. Their excellent performance has taken them to the quarterfinals, which is scheduled to take place on the 2nd at 8:40 pm. This achievement adds another feather to Sheetal’s cap, showcasing her versatility and teamwork in addition to her individual prowess.
An Unexpected Beginning
What makes Sheetal’s achievement even more extraordinary is how recently she took up archery. Until two years ago, Sheetal had never even seen a bow and arrow. Her journey into archery began in 2022 when a friend suggested she visit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu. It was here that her coaches, Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, recognized her potential and encouraged her to train seriously. Within two years, Sheetal has not only learned a new sport but has also excelled at it, setting a world record at her first Paralympic Games.
Sheetal Devi’s story is a shining example of how determination, hard work, and the right guidance can lead to extraordinary success. As she continues to compete, all eyes will be on this young archer who has already made her mark in the world of sports.
