Defying all odds and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams, transcending limitations, and carving a path toward success!
Sheetal Devi, a remarkable 16-year-old para-archer from Kishtwar District in Jammu, has become a symbol of grit and determination. Although she was born without arms, Sheetal learned to adeptly wield the bow with her feet, attach the drawstring with her teeth, and pull it with her shoulder.
Her indomitable spirit and exceptional talent propelled her to secure a spot in the Indian team for the prestigious 2023 World Para Archery Championships and the upcoming 2023 Asian Para Games.
Despite being unranked, Sheetal’s extraordinary journey saw her narrowly miss the championship title in a thrilling finals match against the current World No. 3, Jane Karla of Brazil. In the quarterfinals, Sheetal defeated the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Gold Medalist, showcasing her exceptional skills and mental fortitude. Her qualification score of 682 out of 720 was nothing short of extraordinary.
Throughout her journey, Sheetal has been supported by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), one of the NGOs that Avashya Foundation partners with, and has been provided with essential resources such as nutritional diet, personal coaching, physiotherapy, archery equipment, and a monthly stipend.
In her debut international event, the Para Archery European Cup held in the Czech Republic, she secured a Silver Medal in the compound open individual event. She also claimed a gold medal in the mixed team event and a bronze in the women’s doubles, showcasing her versatility and exceptional skill set.
Sheetal’s commitment to archery proves that nothing is impossible. We are proud of our partner, OGQ for the incredible work they do to support para-athletes.
