Gwangju, South Korea: Indian archer Sheetal Devi, the 18-year-old sensation, has made history by winning the gold medal in the women's individual compound event at the Para World Archery Championship held in Gwangju, South Korea, on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Sheetal, who is the only female archer in the world to compete internationally without arms, secured the top spot after a thrilling final against the World No. 1, Oznur Cure Girdi of Turkiye. Sheetal showed exceptional focus and technique, defeating her rival with a final score of 146-143.
Triumph and Technique
This victory is particularly meaningful as the final was a rematch of the 2023 World Championships, where Girdi had narrowly beaten Sheetal. This time, the young Indian archer turned the tables, showing great mental strength and composure.
Born with a condition that caused her to be without arms, Sheetal performs her sport in a unique and inspiring way: she raises the bow using her right foot, pulls the string back with her shoulder, and releases the arrow with a device held in her jaw and chin.
Her success in Gwangju was not limited to the individual event. Sheetal also contributed to India’s medal tally by winning a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event and a silver medal in the women’s open team event.
A Dream Achieved
Speaking about her achievement, Sheetal Devi shared her joy, saying: “I had a dream I would become world champion. It made me want to work. I worked and worked and today I've got such a good result.”
This historic gold medal highlights India's growing strength in para-sports and marks Sheetal Devi as a top contender for upcoming major international competitions. She continues to be a powerful symbol of determination and resilience for people across the nation.