New Delhi: India’s Sheetal Devi has been named ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025’ by World Archery, adding to her growing list of achievements that includes a historic world championship title.
The 19-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir became the first female armless archer to win gold at the World Para Archery Championships after securing the top spot in the women’s compound individual event in Gwangju, South Korea, last year.
Born without arms, Sheetal uses her feet, legs, and shoulder to draw the bow and release arrows. She also completed a full medal set at the World Championships, winning silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the mixed team event, according to media reports.
In a post on X, Sheetal said: “Nominated alongside the best para archers in the world and now named the best para archer by
@worldarchery – this one feels deeply personal. A heart filled with gratitude, with emotion, with everything this journey has held. Thank you.”
Along with her world title, she has won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Paris Paralympics. She also secured individual silver medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 Asian Championships in Bangkok.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya shared the news on X, calling it a moment of immense pride for the country.
“Heartiest congratulations to Sheetal Devi on being named ‘Para Archer of the Year 2025.,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Emircan Haney of Turkey was named Archer of the Year after winning the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final in Nanjing.
French recurve archer Baptiste Addis received the Young Star of the Year (under-21) award.
The 2025 World Archery Awards recognise outstanding athletes and officials for excellence, fair play and commitment to the sport. The winners were announced during a livestream hosted by Bernardo Oliveira, with panellists Lizzy Rees, Audrey Adiceom and Willem Bakker.
