‘Focus on winning gold at Asian Para Games’: Sheetal Devi sets next big target

As arrows hit targets with precision on a sunny day, all eyes were fixed on Sheetal Devi, 17, the Paris Paralympics bronze medalist, during the 4th Khelo India Women’s National Ranking Archery Tournament at the KD Singh Babu Stadium on Saturday.

Young archers queued up for selfies, sports enthusiasts sought autographs and curious onlookers vied for a glimpse of the armless archer who has brought glory to Indian para sport.

Apart from her Paralympics bronze, Sheetal has struck gold at the Para Asian Games and World Championships.

“Right now, my focus is on scoring points in the tournament. My goal is to give my best at the Asian Para Games, win another gold medal and see the tricolour flutter for my country,” she said.

Recalling her Paris debut, she said: “It was my first Paralympics and a good experience, especially competing in the mixed team event. I was happy to win bronze on debut, though I lost in the individual event.”

Sheetal said she had travelled to Bengaluru for medical treatment when she was first introduced to sports. “I had never seen people like me in sports. I used to think maybe we can only do gaming. An assessment followed, and I was offered three options — archery, swimming and running.

Perhaps, archery chose me,” she said.

Her coach showed her a video of American archer Matt Stutzman, who shoots with his feet. “I wondered if I can do this?” she recalled.

What kept her steady through self-doubt was unwavering support back home. “My family, friends and teachers never made me feel different. I never felt I was different from anyone. People supported me a lot,” she said.

“After the Olympics, more people started recognising me. Many say I am their inspiration. It makes me happy when people come forward after seeing me,” Sheetal said.

Perhaps what delights her most is the surge of interest in para archery. “When I first saw para archers, there were very few. Now, many more have joined. I am happy that in the coming years, they will make the tricolour fly high,” she said.