Indian para archer Sheetal Devi clinched the first rank in the latest World Archery rankings, making her the No. 1 player in the women's compound para archery. World Archery released the rankings with Devi securing 230 points.
The second-placed para archer, Jane Karla Gogel of Brazil scored 195 points. Devi secured three medals, including two gold at the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou. She was later honored with the Best Youth Athlete of the Year by the Asian Paralympic Committee in Riyadh.
Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Devi has overcome the challenges of being born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder resulting in underdeveloped limbs. Her journey began in 2021 when she was discovered at a youth event organized by the Indian Army in Kishtwar. Her athleticism and determination caught the attention of scouts, marking the beginning of her career.
As per World Archery data, Devi is the first female archer to compete internationally without arms. She also won the silver medal at the World Para Archery Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic earlier in 2023.
Moreover, her success at the Asian Para Games, where she clinched two gold medals, made her the first Indian woman to achieve such a feat in a single edition of the competition.
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