Paralympic medallist, 17-year-old Sheetal Devi from Jammu and Kashmir, has become the first Indian woman para archer to qualify for an able-bodied international competition.

Sheetal earned her place in India’s junior women’s compound team for the upcoming Asia Cup Stage 3, scheduled to be held in Jeddah later this year.

The selection followed the Junior Selection Trials organized by the Archery Association of India at SAI NCOE Sonipat from November 3 to 6.

Competing under the same conditions as other athletes, Sheetal finished third overall in the trials to confirm her selection. She scored a total of 703 points in the qualification rounds, 352 in Round 1 and 351 in Round 2, matching top scorer Tejal Rajendra Salve.

In the combined rankings, Tejal Salve placed first, Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav second, and Sheetal third, securing her spot in the national squad.

Born without arms, Sheetal uses her legs and shoulders to draw and release the bow, a unique technique that has already earned her gold medals at the World Para Championships and Asian Para Games.

Her selection for an able-bodied team marks a landmark moment for Indian sports, as performance and consistency took precedence over classification.

Sheetal will now represent India in Jeddah, competing alongside able-bodied archers at an international competition.