India’s Sheetal Devi captivated the world at the Paris Paralympics with her extraordinary skill and determination. The 17-year-old, born without fully formed arms due to phocomelia, has defied the odds to become one of the top para archers globally. In the opening round of the women’s compound open event, she stunned the crowd with a perfect bull’s-eye. Her remarkable ability to fire a bow using her feet and mouth speaks to her resilience and adaptability. Devi’s story, which began in 2021 when she discovered archery, has quickly evolved into one of triumph and perseverance. By 2023, she had clinched multiple medals at world events, including two golds at the Asian Para Games, securing her place as the No. 1 ranked para compound archer.
Although her flawless opening shot in Paris couldn’t secure her victory in the individual event, Devi’s journey was far from over. Despite a narrow loss to Chile’s Mariana Zúñiga, she won bronze in the mixed compound archery event alongside teammate Rakesh Kumar. Beyond her impressive athletic accomplishments, Devi’s heartfelt tribute to her mother on social media revealed the emotional support behind her success. Her mother’s unwavering encouragement and sacrifice have been a cornerstone of Devi’s inspiring journey, which has captured the admiration of fans worldwide. As she continues to shine on the global stage, her story is one of unyielding determination, family love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
