Sheetal Devi from India has been named Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery for her outstanding performances.
Sheetal Devi has been named ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ by World Archery.The 19-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir received the honour on Monday. She is the first and only female armless archer to win gold at the World Para Archery Championships.Sheetal Devi claimed the top honours in the women’s compound individual event at Gwangju in South Korea last year. She beat the defending champion to secure the gold medal.
Born without arms, Sheetal Devi uses her feet, legs and shoulder to draw the bow and shoot. She also won silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the mixed team event at the same championships. This gave her a full set of medals.
“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,” said World Archery.
Sheetal Devi in Para Archery AchievementsThe young archer from Jammu and Kashmir has shown strong skills in para archery. Her win at Gwangju marked a major step in her career. She competed against top archers from around the world and came out on top in the individual compound event.
She has also earned a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Paris Paralympics. In addition, Sheetal Devi has won individual silvers at the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok.
Fans of para sports can expect more inspiring performances from Sheetal Devi in future events. Her success shows that determination can overcome physical challenges.People interested in archery or para sports may follow her journey in upcoming national and international competitions. Young athletes can look to her story for motivation to pursue their goals with hard work.The recognition from World Archery highlights the growing strength of Indian para archery on the global stage. Sheetal Devi’s achievement brings pride to Jammu and Kashmir and to India as a whole.