Sheetal Devi named 'Para Archer of the Year' by World Archery

India’s Sheetal Devi on Monday achieved a major milestone as she was named ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ by World Archery. The 19-year-old from Jammu & Kashmir became the first and only female armless archer to win gold at the World Para Archery Championships, clinching top honours in the women’s compound individual event in Gwangju, South Korea last year.Born without arms, Sheetal skilfully uses her feet, legs and shoulder to draw the bow and shoot. She also completed a full set of medals at the World Championships, winning silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the mixed team event."India's Sheetal Devi took the honour in the para archer of the year category after another breakthrough season that included a world title in Gwangju," said World Archery.In addition to her World Championship gold, Sheetal also has a Paris Paralympics bronze in the mixed team event, along with individual silvers from the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok."Nominated alongside the best para archers in the world... and now named the best para archer by @worldarchery - this one feels deeply personal. A heart filled with gratitude, with emotion, with everything this journey has held. Thank you," Sheetal, who is also an Arjuna awardee, posted on 'X' on Monday."The 2025 World Archery Awards honour the season's most exceptional athletes and officials for their excellence, fair play and dedication to the sport," it added.

The awards, launched in 2011, recognise excellence and outstanding contributions to the sport, celebrating athletes and support staff who have defined the international archery season.This year, the awards were presented across eight categories, including ‘Archer of the Year,’ which went to Emircan Haney of Turkey; ‘Young Archer of the Year,’ awarded to Baptiste Addis of France; and ‘Best Team of the Year,’ claimed by Korea’s recurve men’s team.