‘My dream is one step closer,’ says para-archer Sheetal on qualifying for international able-bodied event

Para-archer Sheetal Devi, who was born without arms, has taken a step closer to her dream of winning a medal by competing alongside able-bodied athletes.

Sheetal became the first Indian para-athlete to qualify for an able-bodied international competition as she has made it to the junior national side for the Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah.

"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," Sheetal posted on social media.

"In the Asia Cup trials, I secured Rank 3 and will now represent India in the Asia Cup - in the able-bodied category. Dreams take time. Work. Believe. Repeat," posted the 18-year-old from Jammu & Kashmir.

Sheetal won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. She drew inspiration from Turkey's Paris Paralympic champion Oznur Cure Girdi, who also competes in able-bodied events at the world level.

In the four-day national selection trials held at Sonipat, Sheetal scored 703 points in the qualification rounds -- 352 in the first and 351 in the second -- matching top qualifier Tejal Salve's total.