Sheetal Devi sports journey is shaped by routine, effort, and choice. At 18, Sheetal Devi stands among India’s most recognised para-archers. She is a Paralympic medallist and a world champion. Her rise did not begin with sport. It began in a small mountain village in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sheetal Devi grew up in Loidhar, where life followed a fixed rhythm. Rice was a daily meal. Days passed without plans of medals or travel. Born with phocomelia, a condition that left her without arms, she learned early how to live on her own terms.

Learning Life With Her Feet

As a child, Devi learned to eat, write, climb, and move using her feet. These skills were not training. They were daily needs. At the time, she did not see them as special.

Later, she understood their value. Using her feet built balance, control, and strength. These traits became the base of her future as an archer.

Sport was not part of her plans. She once hoped to become a teacher. Archery had no place in her early life.

A Turn During a Medical Visit

In 2021, Devi travelled to Bengaluru for a medical consultation. The visit did not bring the result she expected. That setback changed her path.

During an assessment, a physiotherapist suggested she try sports. Three options came up. Archery was one of them. At first, she resisted. She came from a place with no exposure to sport. She did not see herself as an athlete.

Meeting other para athletes shifted her view. She saw what was possible. She began to believe she could try.

Starting Archery From Zero

The early days in archery were difficult. In India, there was no clear path for an armless archer. Her only reference point was Matt Stutzman, the first known armless competitive archer.

Training focused on basics. She worked on core strength, balance, and control. Learning to lift and release the bow with her feet took time. Progress came in small steps.

Some people doubted her. Some called her stubborn. Others warned her against false hope. She did not aim to respond to them. Her focus stayed inward. She wanted to give her best.

Rebuilding After Rule Changes

In 2025, World Archery changed its rules. Devi had to adjust her technique. Much of her earlier work had to be rebuilt.

Her coach, Gaurav Sharma, guided her through this phase. Training meant starting over. Form, balance, and control all needed revision.

Her resolve did not weaken. She stayed focused on each session. The process tested patience more than strength.

Support Systems and Discipline

Since the age of 15, Devi has received support from Olympic Gold Quest. The group has backed her training and competition needs.

OGQ CEO Viren Rasquinha has spoken about her approach. He notes that she does not complain. She accepts pressure and challenge as part of work.

This mindset helped her stay consistent during long training cycles.

Major Results on the World Stage

The work paid off at the 2024 Paralympics. Devi became India’s youngest Paralympic medallist at 17. The result placed her among the country’s top para athletes.

In 2025, she added another major title. She won gold at the World Para Archery Championships and became world champion.

Later that year, she reached another goal. She ranked third in national able-bodied trials. This was a dream she held from the start. She wanted to shoot alongside able-bodied archers. That result confirmed her place across categories.

What Sets Her Apart

The Sheetal Devi biography is not defined by sudden success. It reflects routine and control. Her balance comes from years of adapting to daily life. Her strength comes from repetition.

She does not describe her path as exceptional. She describes it as work.

Looking Ahead

At 18, Sheetal Devi sports journey is still in its early phase. She has reached milestones that many athletes chase for years. Her focus remains on training and form.

From a quiet village in Jammu and Kashmir to world podiums, her rise shows what steady effort can build. One step at a time, she continues to aim higher.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Sheetal Devi?
Sheetal Devi is an Indian para archer, Paralympic medallist, and world champion.

Q2. What is Sheetal Devi’s age?
Sheetal Devi is 18 years old.

Q3. What condition was Sheetal Devi born with?
She was born with phocomelia, a condition that left her without arms.

Q4. What are Sheetal Devi’s major achievements?
She is India’s youngest Paralympic medallist and the 2025 World Para Archery Champion.