JAMMU: Sheetal Devi has been named ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ by World Archery, adding another milestone to her remarkable career.
The 19-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir created history by becoming the first and only female armless archer to win gold at the World Para Archery Championships, clinching the women’s compound individual title in Gwangju last year.
Born without arms, Sheetal uses her feet, legs, and shoulder to skillfully draw the bow and shoot. At the World Championships, she secured a complete medal set, winning gold in the individual event, silver in the women’s team event, and bronze in the mixed team category.
“India’s Sheetal Devi took the honour in the para archer of the year category after another breakthrough season that included a world title in Gwangju,” World Archery said.
Her achievements also include a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics in the mixed team event, along with individual silver medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok.
Reacting to the honour, Sheetal expressed gratitude, calling the recognition deeply personal and thanking supporters for being part of her journey.
The World Archery Awards, launched in 2011, recognise excellence, fair play, and dedication in the sport. This year’s awards also saw Emircan Haney named Archer of the Year, Baptiste Addis as Young Archer of the Year, and Korea’s recurve men’s team winning Best Team of the Year.
