JAMMU (KIMS) — Sheetal Devi, an armlessPara Archer from Loidhar village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir will be conferred with prestigious Arjuna Award by President of India Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, 2024.
Sheetal Devi won a record three medals at her maiden Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in October this year. The impressive haul included two gold medals in mixed doubles and women’s individual category, and a silver in women’s doubles compound.
Earlier in the year, Sheetal bagged a silver medal at the World Para Archery Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
The 16-year-old Para Archer was born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes under-developed limbs.
In 2019, she took up professional archery, something that is now a part of her identity, after enrolling for a youth event by the army in Kishtwar.
She also won the gold medal in the open category of compound section at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi on December 16, is eyeing glory at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha has congratulated Sheetal Devi for her remarkable achievements.
“Proud moment for J&K! Para Archer Sheetal Devi to be conferred with Arjuna Award 2023 by Hon’ble President. Heartiest congratulations to Sheetal for her remarkable achievements. Wishing you all the best for your future. May you continue to shine & bring more glory to our nation,” the Office of LG J&K said in a post on X. — (KIMS)