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Sheetal Devi Makes India’s Able-Bodied Junior Archery Team, a First for a Para Athlete

The 18-year-old earned selection by finishing third at the Sonipat trials, underscoring merit-based inclusion in international competition.

Overview

  • Devi secured third place at the four-day national junior trials in Sonipat, posting 703 in qualification (352+351) and 11.75 final points to edge Dnyaneshwari Gadadhe by 0.25.
  • She joins Tejal Salve and Vaidehi Jadhav in India’s women’s compound lineup for Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah, scheduled for December 10–15.
  • The selection came against more than 60 able-bodied competitors under identical conditions, with top qualifier Salve at 703 and final standings led by Salve (15.75) and Jadhav (15).
  • The Archery Association faces a decision because the Asia Cup dates clash with the Youth Para Asian Games, where Devi is a leading contender.
  • Born without arms, Devi shoots using her feet and has already won the 2024 Paris Paralympics mixed team bronze and the 2025 Para Archery World Championship.