Anand Mahindra pens down an emotional note celebrating Sheetal Devi’s Asia Cup able-bodied milestone

India’s trailblazing armless archer, Sheetal Devi, has once again made history by qualifying for the Asia Cup in the able-bodied category. This rare and extraordinary feat has captured hearts across the nation.

Her qualification is not just a personal victory but a milestone moment for Indian sports, symbolising the limitless potential of human willpower.Born in the remote mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal was born without arms, a condition that could have easily restricted her dreams. Yet, through determination and creativity, she transformed her difference into a source of strength. Today, she stands as a global symbol of perseverance and inclusion, breaking barriers in a sport that demands precision, focus, and physical coordination.

India’s armless archer Sheetal Devi qualifies for Asia Cup, breaking barriers

When the news broke that Sheetal Devi had secured Rank 3 in the Asia Cup trials, it was more than just a sports update. It was a story of resilience realised. For the first time, she will represent India in the able-bodied category, competing alongside athletes with no physical impairments. Sharing her excitement and reflection on social media, Sheetal wrote, “When I started competing, I had a small dream to one day compete alongside the able-bodied and win medals.

I didn’t make it at first, but I kept going, learning from every setback. Now, that dream is one step closer.”Her words encapsulate years of hard work, training, and an unshakable belief in herself. What makes her accomplishment even more inspiring is that she learned archery by using her feet, developing remarkable control, strength, and technique through sheer practice and patience.

Anand Mahindra praises Sheetal Devi, India’s armless archer, for her inspiring journey

Among those celebrating her achievement was industrialist Anand Mahindra, who has long admired Sheetal’s journey.

Overcome with emotion, he responded to her post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Sheetal, I never had ANY doubt that you were ‘able-bodied.’ In fact, you are more able-bodied than all the rest of us... And your heart is the strongest. You make India proud.”Mahindra’s admiration for her is not new. Earlier this year, he met Sheetal and her family in person, describing the encounter as profoundly moving. Impressed by her dedication and spirit, he presented her with a Mahindra Scorpio-N SUV, calling it a small gesture of respect for someone who embodies courage in its purest form.During the meeting, Sheetal gifted Mahindra a symbolic arrow, a gesture that deeply touched him. He later referred to it as a powerful emblem of determination and focus, qualities that have defined her journey from a small Himalayan village to the international stage.

Sheetal Devi: India’s armless archer qualifies for Asia Cup

Before this latest achievement, Sheetal had already made a name for herself as one of India’s most decorated para-archers. At the Paris Paralympics, she won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event alongside her partner Rakesh Kumar, narrowly defeating Italy’s Matteo Bonacina and Eleonora by a score of 156–155.Her performance in the women’s individual compound event was equally impressive. She scored 703 points in the ranking round, just one point shy of breaking a world record held by Turkey’s Oznur Cure.Beyond the Paralympics, her record includes multiple international medals such as two golds and one silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, and a silver at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. These accolades have established her as one of the most successful para-athletes India has ever produced.

India’s armless archer Sheetal Devi makes Asia Cup history

Sheetal Devi’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance. Without arms, she taught herself to use her legs and feet with the precision and grace of a trained archer’s hands. This required not only physical conditioning but also extraordinary mental resilience.Her training involved building core strength and balance, perfecting her posture, and synchronising her breathing with each shot, aspects that would challenge even seasoned archers. Sheetal’s qualification in the able-bodied category carries a deeper significance. It challenges conventional ideas about who can compete and at what level. By standing shoulder to shoulder with able-bodied athletes, she proves that excellence in sport transcends physical differences.Her success highlights the importance of inclusive opportunities and better infrastructure for differently-abled athletes. It also sends a powerful message to aspiring sportspeople that determination, discipline, and self-belief matter far more than physical form.In a world where accessibility and equality in sports are still evolving, Sheetal Devi’s story shines as a guiding light, urging institutions to create more inclusive spaces and celebrate talent in all its forms.