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pc: Indian para archer Payal Nag (Instagram)
Xtra Time Web Desk: Sheetal Devi, a household name in India and a global celebrity, made history as the first Indian woman to win an archery medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Partnering with Rakesh Kumar, she secured bronze in the mixed team compound archery competition, marking a major milestone for Indian para-athletes. 

At just 17, Sheetal, born without arms due to phocomelia, has become a beacon of hope for millions. She is the first and only female para-archer without upper limbs to compete internationally. Her remarkable journey, bolstered by her Arjuna Award recognition, has inspired many to chase their dreams, despite challenges.

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Inspired by the incredible Sheetal Devi, this 13-year-old girl with no arms or legs is breaking barriers and chasing her dreams in archery. ????#Archery pic.twitter.com/GkFFvMJYyj

— World Archery (@worldarchery) September 8, 2024

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Recently, a video featuring Payal Nag, a young girl from Odisha’s Balangir district, went viral. Like Sheetal, Payal shoots arrows despite missing limbs. Tragically, she lost both arms and legs after an electrocution accident in her childhood. Spotted last May, she was brought to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Archery Academy in Jammu and Kashmir, where she now trains under Sheetal’s coach, Kuldeep Vedwan.

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Payal’s story has touched the hearts of many, symbolizing the growing influence of para-athletes like Sheetal Devi, who continue to inspire and uplift the next generation.