Sheetal Devi on her golden comeback in Gwangju: “I never paid attention to doubters”

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT is presented by WIAWIS.

One year after her historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Sheetal Devi proved once again why she is one of the brightest stars in para archery.

The 18-year-old armless archer captured her first world title at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju, Korea, winning gold in the compound women’s individual event after beating defending champion Oznur Cure Girdi of Türkiye, 146-143.

For Devi, it was more than just another medal. It was the comeback she had been waiting for.

“This win is very important to me — to prove wrong all the doubts I’d been hearing for a long time. Personally, I never paid attention to them; I just stayed focused on my game.”

Devi’s campaign in Gwangju showcased her consistency and determination.

Alongside her individual gold, she also added silver and bronze medals in the compound women’s team and compound mixed team events, respectively, shooting with Sarita and Toman Kumar – who went on to win the compound men’s individual title. 

Her previous major victory came at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games, where she won the compound women’s gold – her first international title – and a mixed team bronze with Rakesh Kumar. She later added silver at the Pilsen 2023 World Archery Para Championships, confirming her place among the world’s best.

Since the Paris 2024 Games, Devi has faced a series of changes in her training and technique. A new coaching setup, a new grip position and even a rule change required her to rethink her approach to shooting – but none of it slowed her progress.

A new international rule on grip positioning, which requires her to shoot with only her toes (and not her heel) touching the bow, meant months of re-learning and adaptation.

“There was so much pain in my leg,” she admitted. “The soreness in my toes is still fresh, and it took a long time for me to adjust to the new grip.”

Working under her new coach, Gaurav Sharma, in Patiala since November 2024, Devi has been rebuilding her form and confidence.

“The coaching setup is almost the same as before,” she said. “Over the past few months I’ve been working on my new grip position, shooting process and mental strength with Gaurav sir. We’ve developed a really good bond, and mentally I feel very relaxed.”

Coach Sharma praised Devi’s mental toughness and adaptability as her greatest strengths. He described training her as “a journey like no other”.

“When the new rules were put in place, she had to completely relearn her technique,” said Sharma, who is also the longtime coach of Paralympic Champion recurve archer Harvinder Singh. “It was mentally and physically exhausting. 

The change in training setup has also allowed Devi to spend more time with her family between events.

“My mother stays and travels with me during competitions,” she said. “I’m more stress-free when she is around.”

The gold medal match in Gwangju was a repeat of the 2023 world final, in which Devi had lost 138-140 to Cure Girdi. This time, the tables turned.

“I didn’t go out to beat her or to avenge my defeat at the last world championships,” she said. “I just gave my 100% and played my best game. When I was shooting the last arrow, I was already in joy – I knew I had won it. The feeling was incredible.”

The Indian teenager sealed victory with a perfect final end of 30 points, while Cure Girdi finished with 29.

At just 18, Devi has already carved her name among the greats with her remarkable performances and unique shooting technique – carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Armless Archer, Matt Stutzman.

“It has been a beautiful journey for me. I’ve had many memorable moments – the Paris Paralympic bronze has been my best moment ever, but every event has taught me something,” said Devi, who was born with a rare congenital condition.

“The most satisfying thing is seeing so many young girls from faraway places wanting to take up archery after watching me.”

While she describes herself as a hard worker and fearless, Devi prefers to take things one event at a time.

“My next target is the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, where I hope to defend my title,” she said. “The Paralympics is always on my mind. I hope to prepare well and put up a strong performance to make my country proud once again.”

For now, she is enjoying a rare month-long break – her first in a year – before starting preparations for her next challenge.

Devi’s journey continues to inspire. From making history as the world’s first armless woman to win a World Archery Para Championship title to her Paralympic podium in Paris, she has shown extraordinary resilience and focus.

And in Gwangju, she reminded everyone that her story is far from finished.