Jammu and Kashmir resident Sheetal Devi has been recognized as the ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ by World Archery, marking a significant achievement in her burgeoning career. The 19-year-old athlete, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, has earned accolades for her remarkable performance in para archery, including a historic world championship title.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Sheetal Devi, born without arms, has demonstrated exceptional skill by utilizing her feet, legs, and shoulder to draw and shoot a bow. This unique ability enabled her to become the first and only female armless archer to secure a gold medal at the World Para Archery Championships. She achieved this feat in the women’s compound individual event held in Gwangju, South Korea, last year. Her performance at the championships also resulted in a complete set of medals, with a silver in the women’s team event and a bronze in the mixed team event.
World Archery officially stated, “India’s Sheetal Devi took the honour in the para archer of the year category after another breakthrough season that included a world title in Gwangju.” Her achievements extend beyond the World Championships. Sheetal also secured a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Paris Paralympics. Furthermore, she has won individual silver medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok.
Sheetal Devi, who is also an Arjuna Award recipient, shared her feelings on the social media platform ‘X’ on Monday. She expressed, “Nominated alongside the best para archers in the world… and now named the best para archer by @worldarchery – this one feels deeply personal. A heart filled with gratitude, with emotion, with everything this journey has held. Thank you.”
The World Archery Awards, which honor the most outstanding athletes and officials for their excellence, fair play, and dedication to the sport, presented awards across eight categories this year. These awards, established in 2011, celebrate exceptional contributions and define the international archery season through the achievements of athletes and support staff. Other notable recipients this year include Emircan Haney of Turkey for ‘Archer of the Year’, Baptiste Addis of France for ‘Young Archer of the Year’, and Korea’s recurve men’s team for ‘Best Team of the Year’.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
