Vega schools celebrates and honours Sheetal Devi after her achievement of joining the able- bodied Indian Archery Squad
Breaking barriers and Dreams Coming True
Sheetal Devi, the global compound champion and para-archer who was born without arms, broke yet another barrier on Thursday when he was selected for the India able-bodied junior squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup Stage 3 in Jeddah.
“I had a little dream when I first started competing: to compete with the physically fit one day. Even though I didn’t succeed at first, I persisted and learned from each failure. After the news, Sheetal said on social media, “Today, that dream is one step closer.”
Sheetal, who won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, was inspired by Oznur Cure Girdi, a Turkish Paralympic winner who also participates in world-level able-bodied competitions.
The 18-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir placed third overall in the demanding four-day national selection trials held in Sonipat, competing against more than 60 physically fit archers from all over the nation under comparable conditions.
The journey of Resilience
Due to a change in the rules, I had to modify my shooting technique by redrawing, which involves shooting the arrow with only the toe and front portion of the foot. However, this also required me to practice for a little longer in order to become used to the new method.
Devi explained, “It helped me mentally and physically prepare for the demands of the trials, where there are multiple matches and a higher number of opponents than the field of 64 or 32 at an international para event.”
Sheetal resumed shooting with complete confidence after we mastered the new technique. She would spend time in the national camps in Sonepat and train alongside other international junior and senior archers in Patiala. She often shoots between 250 and 300 arrows in a day, therefore it was difficult to get her to adapt to the trials structure in able-bodied events, where there are eight to twelve matches.
She therefore worked on her stamina. She considered these matches as the same pattern where she shoots 250–300 arrows every day, and she has been mentally tough.
Vega Schools take inspiration and salutes Sheetal Devi
Sheetal Devi, a para-archer whose amazing journey symbolizes bravery, dedication, and determination, is an inspiration to Vega Schools. Sheetal’s success in archery despite being born without arms is a reflection of Vega’s conviction that true learning starts with resiliency and creativity. Like Sheetal, the school pushes students to take on difficulties, think outside the box, and use their shortcomings as assets. Her narrative encourages Vega students to set lofty goals, maintain concentration, and never give up, supporting the school’s mission of fostering greatness, empathy, and self-assurance via real-life role models who redefine possibilities.
Vega Schools offers holistic education to children in Delhi NCR and is rated among the top Schools in Gurgaon. Its modern infrastructure, facilities, and experienced teachers are a big asset to the learning & development of students, be it for Nursery, Primary or Senior children making Vega Schools the best schools in Gurgaon. For information about admission please visit the Vega Schools campuses in Sector 48 and Sector 76 Gurugram.