Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old armless archer from Jammu and Kashmir, has made history at the Paris Paralympics. On Monday, she secured a bronze medal in the mixed team compound open archery event alongside teammate Rakesh Kumar. This remarkable achievement makes her the youngest Indian ever to win a Paralympic medal.
Devi and Kumar’s victory came after a nail-biting bronze medal match against Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina. They emerged victorious with a score of 156-155, solidifying their place on the podium.
This young athlete’s journey to the Paralympics is particularly inspiring. At just 17 years, 7 months, and 23 days old, Sheetal Devi has shattered the previous record held by Praveen Kumar, who won a silver medal in the men’s high jump T64 event at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. Her dedication and resilience have propelled her to this historic achievement.
Devi’s success at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to the power of perseverance and a shining example for aspiring athletes across India. It serves as a reminder that age is just a number, and with hard work and dedication, any dream can be realized.
