Armless Archer Shatters Barriers, Earns Spot on India's National Team

In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Sheetal Devi has become the first Indian para archer to qualify for the country's able-bodied national team. Born without arms, Sheetal has spent the last four years honing her archery skills, developing innovative techniques to load, lift, and release the bow using only her toes and legs.

Last week, Sheetal finished third among 60 archers in the compound women's trials for the upcoming Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This historic achievement is a testament to Sheetal's natural core strength, frugal innovation, and the support of her dedicated coaches and trainers.

Prior to Sheetal's involvement in the sport, there was no mechanism in India that would enable an armless athlete to shoot arrows effectively. However, her coach, Kuldeep Vedwan, studied the techniques of the "OG armless archer," USA's Matt Stutzman, and adapted a similar release aid system for Sheetal. This allowed her to use her jaw to trigger the release of the arrows.

Sheetal's journey has not been without its challenges. Her physiotherapist, Ayushi Tomer, explains that the constant pressure on Sheetal's chin from the release aid caused wounds and pain. But through sheer determination and the support of her team, Sheetal has overcome these obstacles and is now poised to make her mark on the international stage.