#BazaarWomenInFocus: Sheetal Devi aims high, and reminds us that no dream is out of reach

Few stories in Indian sport have captured hearts quite like Sheetal Devi’s. The 17-year-old Arjuna Award-winning archer has become a beacon of strength, perseverance, and quiet determination—an athlete who has turned what others might call limitation into a story of limitless potential.

Hailing from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir, Devi's journey is one of extraordinary resilience. The young archer, whose unique technique and unshakable will have redefined what’s possible in sport, continues to inspire millions. Born with a rare condition that meant she would live life differently, she never let circumstance define her. Instead, she found her own rhythm: one that balances grace, precision, and an unrelenting focus that seems unshakable under pressure.

Her ascent to the world stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Devi made her international debut at the World Ranking Tournament in 2023, where she won three medals, it propelled her to the limelight. Just a year later, she represented India at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, earning a bronze medal and etching her name in history as one of the youngest Indian athletes to achieve such a feat. Earlier this year, she was crowned the World Archery Champion at the Para Archery Championships in South Korea, cementing her place among the sport’s finest.

But beyond medals and milestones, it is Devi's attitude that leaves a lasting impression. Her calm confidence, infectious smile, and humility make her a natural role model. She represents a new kind of heroism—one that is not loud or performative, but rooted in purpose and perseverance.

As she took the stage to accept the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2025 Award, the applause that filled the room was immediate and heartfelt. Devi’s speech was a moving reflection of her journey.

“My journey has not been a cakewalk. It was quite difficult when I started, but I eased into it slowly. There were very few people who actually believed that I was capable of archery, and there were a lot more who thought I would not be able to make it in the sport. I want to thank all those people who placed their trust in me and motivated me," she said.

"I hail from a small village in Jammu and Kashmir. I was home for 15 years, and now I am here because someone trusted me and my skills. And I just hope more and more people trust sportspersons like us, so that we can prove our mettle. Thank you for this honour," she added.

Her words resonated deeply with the audience because Devi wasn't just talking about herself; she was speaking for every young dreamer who has ever been underestimated.

At 18, she embodies a rare kind of grace, rooted in self-belief and built through discipline. For Devi, archery is not just a sport, it’s a statement of strength, of faith, and of what happens when you aim high and refuse to lower your gaze.
 

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