New Delhi – Eighteen-year-old archery prodigy Sheetal Devi, hailing from the remote village of Loidhar in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, has once again re-written the playbook of Indian sport by earning selection to India’s able-bodied junior archery team for the upcoming Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah. She becomes the first para-athlete from the country to qualify for an able-bodied international archery squad.

Born with phocomelia — a rare congenital condition that left her without arms — Sheetal’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With her legs and core strength she learned to wield the bow and arrow in a manner most would deem impossible.

Her para-archery achievements are already historic: she has attained the world number one ranking in compound open para-archery, and she won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the mixed-team compound event.

The selection trials for the able-bodied junior team were held in Sonipat, Haryana, with more than 60 able-bodied archers competing under the same conditions. Sheetal finished third overall after four days of competition, scoring a combined 703 points (352 +351) in qualification — equalling the top qualifier’s total — before edging just ahead in the final ranking.

“This was my small dream — to one day compete alongside the able-bodied. I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going, learning from every setback. Today, that dream is one step closer,” she posted on social media following the announcement.

Her coach praised her “willpower, focus and the quiet determination” that powered the feat. The achievement opens a new chapter in inclusive sport in India, sending a powerful message that ability is defined not purely by circumstances, but by mindset and training. At 18, Sheetal remains mindful of her roots — balancing intense international ambitions with a deep-grounded ethos shaped by her upbringing in Jammu & Kashmir.

As she prepares to represent India alongside able-bodied peers in Jeddah, the sports world will watch how she transitions into yet another competitive arena — one that until now has been largely separate from the para sports domain. Regardless of the outcome, her selection itself stands as a landmark moment, promising to inspire athletes of all backgrounds to aim higher.