17-Year-Old Sheetal Devi Impresses with Unique Archery Technique at 2024 Paralympics | Watch
17-Year-Old Sheetal Devi Impresses with Unique Archery Technique at 2024 Paralympics | Watch
Sheetal Devi’s awe-inspiring performance at the Paris Paralympics was acknowledged with a thunderous reception from the fans.
At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi has made a remarkable impact in the world of para archery. Born without arms, she has mastered a unique technique that allows her to compete at the highest levels. Sheetal skillfully uses her right leg to lift the bow, her right shoulder to draw the string, and her jaw to release the arrow. Seated on a chair, her graceful execution of this complex maneuver has captivated fans, and her performances are often described as poetic.
During the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Sheetal earned resounding applause from the crowd as she showcased her precision, hitting the bullseye on her first attempt. She secured a second-place finish in the ranking round, narrowly missing a world para archery record by just one point. Despite a strong start, her quest for a Paralympic medal ended in heartbreak on Saturday.
In the Women’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 Elimination match, Sheetal faced Chile’s Mariana Zuniga in a gripping contest. Both archers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, but Zuniga ultimately prevailed by the narrowest of margins, winning 138-137.
This is beyond possible!
— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) September 2, 2024
Sheetal Devi is poetry in motion.
Just 17 years old.
Born without arms.
A true hero.
Congrats India 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/fnthR456uN
Sheetal began the match strongly, hitting two consecutive 10s and a 9 to take an early lead. Although Zuniga managed only 28 points in the first end, giving Sheetal a slight edge, the momentum shifted in the second end when Sheetal scored a 7, allowing Zuniga to catch up. The match remained intensely competitive, with the scores tied at 82-82 after the third end, setting up a dramatic finale.
In the fourth end, Zuniga applied pressure with two 10s and a 9, while Sheetal matched her with equal resolve. As they entered the final three arrows, the tension was palpable. Unfortunately for Sheetal, an 8 on her last arrow allowed Zuniga to clinch victory with a 9.
Although Sheetal Devi did not advance to the quarterfinals, her performance in Paris has firmly established her as a rising star in para archery.
