India’s Sheetal Devi continues her rapid rise in para archery after being named female para sportsperson of the year at the Times of India Sports Awards.
The 19-year-old was honoured at the ceremony in Lucknow on 21 March, alongside javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who received the male para sportsperson award. It is the second time both athletes have earned the recognition.
The award follows a standout season for Devi, highlighted by her first world title at the World Archery Para Championships in Gwangju. She became the first woman without arms to win a para archery world title, defeating Paralympic Champion Oznur Cure Girdi in the compound women’s individual final. She also claimed silver in the women’s team and bronze in the mixed team events.
Devi received the award from Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic Champion and current president of the Paralympic Committee of India.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Sheetal Devi on being honoured at the Times of India Sports Awards,” the National Paralympic Committee wrote on Instagram. “A true inspiration of resilience and precision – her journey continues to redefine possibilities and inspire the nation.”
Heartfelt congratulations to Sheetal Devi, archery athlete, on being honoured at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
A true inspiration of resilience and precision — her journey continues to redefine possibilities and inspire the nation.
Born with phocomelia, Devi competes without arms using a distinctive shooting technique that has drawn global attention.
Her medal record spans the Asian Championships, Asian Para Games, World Championships and the Paralympic Games, underlining her growing impact on the international stage.
Earlier in 2025, she became the first Indian archer to win the BBC emerging athlete of the year award, following her mixed team bronze medal with Rakesh Kumar at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Her honours also include World Archery para woman of the year and Asian Paralympic Committee best youth athlete in 2023. In 2024, she received the Arjuna Award and was recognised at the Sportstar Aces Awards.
Devi made history in December when she was selected for India’s able-bodied compound team at the Asia Cup in Jeddah.
The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards – more commonly known as TOISA – honoured outstanding athletes across a range of sports, celebrating excellence, dedication and the continued rise of India’s sporting talent.
The Times of India Sports Awards – more commonly known as TOISA – recognise excellence across Indian sport, celebrating standout performances over the past year.
Header image courtesy of The Times of India.
