Para Archer Sheetal Devi Wins Best Youth Athlete Of 2023 Honour At Asian Awards

In a groundbreaking achievement, 16-year-old para archer Sheetal Devi, hailing from the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, emerged victorious as the Best Youth Athlete of the Year at the Asian Awards 2023 in Riyadh on Saturday, November 25. This historic win marks Sheetal as the first Indian athlete ever to receive this prestigious honor.

Sheetal’s remarkable journey is underscored by her distinction as the world’s first female archer to compete internationally without arms, as acknowledged by World Para Archery. In her debut season, the talented para archer not only competes but excels, clinching medals at major events.

Earlier this year, Sheetal secured a silver medal at the World Para Archery Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Her prowess continued to shine at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, where she seized the spotlight with an impressive three-medal haul, including two gold medals, as per The Chenab Times. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph for Sheetal but also established her as the first Indian woman to secure two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games.

Born in the Kishtwar district of the Chenab Valley, the Chenabi para archer Sheetal faced the challenges of phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder resulting in under-developed limbs. Despite these obstacles, her athletic prowess came to light during a youth event organized by the Indian Army in Kishtwar in 2021. The scouts were captivated by her exceptional abilities, setting the stage for her remarkable journey in para archery.

What sets Sheetal apart is her unique technique of shooting with the aid of her legs, reminiscent of the approach employed by the legendary para archer from the USA, Matt Stutzman.

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