Sheetal Devi World Champion achievement marks a historic milestone as India’s 18-year-old armless archer clinched gold medal at the World Para Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea on September 27, 2025. The para-archery sensation defeated Turkey’s top-ranked Oznur Cure Girdi with a thrilling 146-143 victory in the women’s compound individual category.
Key Highlights
- Sheetal Devi becomes only the second armless archer in history to win World Championship title
- Defeated reigning champion Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkey in a nail-biting final 146-143
- At 18, she’s now a World Champion, Paralympic bronze medalist, and multiple Asian Games gold winner
- Born with phocomelia, a rare condition resulting in absence of arms, she shoots using her legs
- Victory adds to her impressive medal collection including Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze and Asian Games golds
- Third medal at Gwangju championships after mixed team bronze and women’s team silver
Table of Contents
Championship Victory Details
The World Champion final proved to be an intense battle between two exceptional athletes. Sheetal Devi demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the match, with the opening end tied at 29-29. The Indian para-archery star seized control in the second end, firing a hat-trick of perfect 10s to win 30-27 and establish her lead.
Despite a closely contested third end that finished 29-29, Sheetal Devi maintained her advantage heading into the decisive moments. The final end showcased why she earned the World Champion title, delivering three perfect arrows for a flawless 30 to secure the historic victory.
Indian Para Sports Champions Rising
Sheetal Devi joins an elite group of Indian athletes who have brought glory to the nation on international stages. The para-archery World Champion exemplifies the values of discipline, perseverance, and dedication that define India’s sporting heritage.
Journey to World Championship Glory
Sheetal Devi faced significant challenges this season following rule changes by World Archery that affected her armless archer shooting technique. The modifications required para-archery competitors to use only their toe and front foot to touch the bow, rather than the heel positioning she previously used.
Working with national coach Gaurav Sharma in Patiala, the World Champion had to relearn fundamental techniques. Her early 2025 results were inconsistent, including a first-round exit at the European Para Archery Cup in Italy, which tested her determination.
Breaking Barriers in Para-Archery
Born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder causing underdeveloped limbs, Sheetal Devi has revolutionized compound archery through her innovative leg-shooting technique. The World Champion from Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir was discovered at a youth event in 2019 by the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles unit.
Her rise to World Champion status follows an impressive trajectory that began with Asian Games gold in 2022. The Paralympic bronze medalist at Paris 2024 became India’s youngest Paralympic medalist, inspiring millions worldwide.
Technical Excellence and Mental Strength
The para-archery World Champion displayed exceptional mental fortitude during the championship finals. “The pressure wasn’t great. I controlled myself and shot very calmly. My heartbeat wasn’t so fast, so there was less pressure,” Sheetal Devi reflected after her historic victory.
National coach Abhilasha Chaudhary praised the World Champion for handling fluctuating weather conditions with maturity throughout the tournament. The armless archer competed in multiple events, demonstrating consistency across team and individual competitions.
India’s Sporting Excellence Legacy
Sheetal Devi World Champion achievement adds to India’s rich tradition of producing world-class athletes who excel in diverse sporting disciplines. Her success story echoes the dedication seen in other Indian champions, including those celebrated on National Javelin Day, showcasing how Indian athletes continue to excel across various sports on the global stage.
Global Impact and Recognition
Sheetal Devi World Champion achievement extends beyond personal success, representing hope for athletes with disabilities worldwide. Following in the footsteps of American Matt Stutzman, who inspired her para-archery journey, she has become a role model for aspiring armless archer athletes globally.
The World Champion title adds to her growing collection that includes the prestigious Arjuna Award received in 2023. Her success story continues to inspire young athletes across India and demonstrates the potential within para-archery sports.
Championship Medal Collection
Sheetal Devi concluded the Gwangju championships with three medals, solidifying her status as a para-archery powerhouse. Beyond the individual World Champion gold, she earned mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar and women’s team silver with Sarita.
The compound archery specialist’s medal haul represents the culmination of years of dedicated training and technical refinement. Her family in Loidhar village is preparing to display the World Champion medal prominently in their newly built home.
Sheetal Devi World Champion journey from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir to global para-archery supremacy exemplifies determination and excellence. Her historic victory at just 18 years old establishes her as India’s premier armless archer and a beacon of inspiration for future generations pursuing sporting excellence.
November 20, 2025