World No. 1 para archer Sheetal Devi eyes gold at Paris Paralympics

Published at :December 1, 2023 at 6:58 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:09 AM

From a small village in Jammu and Kashmir to the global stage, Sheetal Devi’s journey as a para-archer

Sheetal Devi’s story is one of fierce grit and determination, yet many remain unaware of her incredible journey of taking up archery and emerging as a champion athlete. The World No. 1 para archer, who clinched two gold medals and a silver at the recent Asian Para Games, is now focused on replicating her performance at next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris.

Being You, a Bangalore-based storytelling startup, centers on documenting and celebrating human stories, believing that positive narratives inspire change in individuals and society. Sheetal stands as the prime example and flag bearer of this initiative.

“Until a couple of years ago, I had not even stepped out of Jammu and Kashmir. It feels overwhelming when I represent India in different countries. Despite that, I handle those moments calmly and ensure I hit the bullseye,” the archer commented, reminiscing about how, at 14 years old, she became associated with Being You in 2021, a turning point that completely changed her life.

“My focus is on the Paris Paralympics. I am putting all efforts to ensure the Indian flag flies high on the podium, bringing back as many medals as possible,” she added.

When Sheetal Devi realized that prosthetics didn’t work for her, she and her family had lost all hope. That’s when she encountered the stories of Sharath Gaekwad and Shekhar Naik from the book “Being You: Against All Odds,” written by Preethi, which inspired her greatly. Being You has also signed up with Sheetal and will manage the athlete from here on.

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“When we first met her in Bengaluru in 2021, Sheetal was keen only on having prosthetic hands. After a lot of convincing, she decided to take up sports. My team and I were convinced that Sheetal had all the qualities and abilities to become an athlete.

“With the help of GoSports, we reached out to sports physio Srikanth Iyengar, who recognized her sublime core strength, developed while regularly climbing trees in her village. That’s how it was decided she should take up archery,” said Preethi.

What the 16-year-old has achieved in the last two years is testament to what Being You had envisioned for her. It marks just the beginning of a massive success journey that no one possibly ever imagined for her.

The para-archer’s journey took flight as she started clinching victories in national and international competitions, culminating in a stellar performance at the Asian Para Games 2023, securing two gold and one silver medal.

Already the number one para archer globally after terrific recent tournament performances, Sheetal aims to bring more laurels to the country.

Sheetal will continue to train for forthcoming competitions at the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, which has constantly supported the para archer since she took up the sport. Maintaining funds has always been a formidable task.

As she gears up for the Paralympics, her focus now is on following her training regime. “My present form, diet, and focus align with what I need to do to train for the Paris Paralympics 2024. I will continue improving my game and focus on acing it there,” she concluded.

On the sidelines of the event, Sheetal also unveiled the cover page of the second edition of “Being You: Against all Odds” by Being You founder Preethi, the same book that inspired her to take up the sport. The first edition, launched in 2021, featured 100 inspiring stories of extraordinary Indians who achieved the unthinkable, defying all odds.

The book inspired numerous people, including Sheetal. The second edition, set to launch in January 2024, will include a special exclusive story of Sheetal and her unbelievable journey.

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