Gold in mind: Sheetal Devi heads into World Archery Para Championships determined to upgrade medal colour

Sheetal Devi won silver in the 2023 edition.

After her silver-medal finish in the last edition, Sheetal Devi heads into the World Archery Para Championships 2025 in Gwangju, with one target in mind—the gold medal.

Sheetal, who is the first-ever female armless archer, scripted history by bagging silver in the women’s compound open category at the 2023 edition in Czechia, finishing second best to Oznure Cure of Turkey.

Oznure has since gone on to clinch gold at both Paris Olympics and European Championships. The 27-year-old will once again be Sheetal’s biggest rival on the world stage.

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Born without arms, Sheetal defied odds to represent India on the global stage. Building on her success at the worlds, she also became a Paralympic medalist at the age of 18 when she won bronze alongside Rakesh Kumar at the mixed team event in Paris.

Sheetal qualified for the 2025 World Archery Para Championships in Korea by finishing second in the para-archery trials, held in New Delhi from July 15 to 16. She shot 672 and 662 at the Trails, which placed her second behind Jyoti.

Also Read: Who is Sheetal Devi? Five facts about Indian Archer

In an interaction with Khel Now, Sheetal outlined her goals in the upcoming World Archery Para Championships, which will be held from September 22 to 28.

Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Q: At any point in your life, did you ever feel like giving up?

Sheetal Devi: I never felt that I would not be able to do archery. Before I started archery, I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to play any sports. But when I started archery, I never looked back then, and from that point onwards, I believed in myself, and I always motivated myself by saying that I could do it.

Q: You are an inspiration to many young athletes and para-athletes. Is there any advice for other archers who are pursuing their dreams to represent India?

Sheetal Devi: Some people have started pursuing archery after seeing me, and it makes me happy. It feels good to know that I haven’t just done something for myself, but that I’ve inspired others, too.

My advice to those people who got inspired by me and will get inspired in future is to come forward, take up the sport, keep moving ahead, and win medals for the country whenever you get the chance to represent India

Q: How do you motivate yourself when things don’t go your way in competitions?

Sheetal Devi: Yes, winning and losing happens, and they’re part of the game. Of course, we get disappointed when we lose, but then we always remind ourselves that we have to come back stronger in the next tournament. We also work harder, try to stay focused and do more practice for the next tournament.

Q) What’s your target for the upcoming World Archery Para Championships?

Sheetal Devi: When I first participated in the 2023 World Championships in Czech Republic, I didn’t know much about it. Moreover, I was [pretty] young and new at that time. But now I have a little bit of experience.

I will try my best to upgrade the silver that I won at the last world championships to gold this time and look to perform well.

Q) You lost the gold to Turkey’s Oznur Cure in the last edition. Is there any specific plan for her in the upcoming World Championships?

Sheetal Devi: No, I don’t have special plan for her. I just want to do my best and perform for my country. I believe that if I give my best, the results will follow, and ultimately, I will win. My focus is always to give my best.

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