In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian archery, Sheetal Devi, the 16-year-old para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir, has etched her name in history as the first Indian archer to be honored with the prestigious World Archery Award. The World Champion and Para Asian gold medallist received the accolade for the best female para-archer of the year, marking a momentous milestone in her burgeoning career.
Sheetal Devi, who recently added the Arjuna Award to her list of accolades, further solidified her status as a rising star by securing the Best Female Athlete title at the inaugural Differently Abled Sports Awards. Expressing her joy and gratitude, Devi remarked, ‘I feel extremely happy to win the Best Female Athlete award. One and a half years ago, I picked up a bow for the first time. When I first joined the academy, I never thought I could play the sport, but my coaches never lost faith in me and supported me throughout. I have qualified for the Olympics, and I will work even harder to win a medal for my country.’
Alongside Sheetal Devi, Guillaume Toucoullet received recognition as the para men archer of the year, further highlighting the global acknowledgment of para-archery talent.
In a parallel celebration of exceptional achievements in differently-abled sports, Sumit Antil, the world record holder and 2020 Paralympic Games javelin throw medallist, secured the Best Male Athlete title at the same event. Antil, who holds the world champion title, set a remarkable world record with a 73.29m throw at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
