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Armless archer Sheetal Devi wins double gold at Asian Para Games

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Sheetal Devi retained her individual title while also earning gold in the compound mixed team competition and silver in the women's doubles division. Her journey to international podiums began in Jammu and Kashmir, where an Indian Army camp first identified her athletic capabilities in 2019. Under specialized guidance, she transitioned from short-distance drills to mastering the standard 50-metre competition distance using an unconventional shooting style.

Key points

  • The multi-medal haul in Japan mirrors her previous success at the 2023 Asian Para Games i…: The multi-medal haul in Japan mirrors her previous success at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
  • Her elite foundation was forged through dedicated training under coach Kuldeep Vedwan at…: Her elite foundation was forged through dedicated training under coach Kuldeep Vedwan at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex.
  • Sheetal Devi holds prestigious global accolades, including an individual world championsh…: Sheetal Devi holds prestigious global accolades, including an individual world championship title won in Gwangju, South Korea.

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A bow is usually held with one hand and drawn with the other. For

Sheetal Devi, neither of those movements was an option. Born without arms, the young archer from Jammu and Kashmir had to find a way to make the equipment work with the body she had. Her answer was a technique that is now recognised around the world. She steadies the bow with her foot, uses her shoulder to draw the string and releases the arrow with the help of her mouth. It is a demanding combination of balance, strength and control. And it has taken years of practice to perfect.

Today, Devi is a Paralympic bronze medallist, a world champion and one of India's most celebrated para-archers. At the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, she added another major achievement to her record, winning two gold medals and a silver. But the medals tell only part of the story. Her journey is also about learning a skill in an entirely different way, accepting setbacks and continuing to improve.

From everyday tasks to an unexpected sporting opportunity

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