Cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh lavished praise on 18-year-old Indian armless archery wonder, Sheetal Devi who made history by clinching the gold medal in the women's individual compound archery category at the ongoing World Para Archery Championship.
Sheetal defeated Turkiye's world number one Oznur Cure Girdi by 146-143 in the gold medal clash. Yuvraj took his 'X', formerly known as Twitter, to praise the Indian athlete for her dedication.
"Many congratulations, Sheetal, on inspiring a nation and showing the world that nothing is stronger than an unbreakable spirit! Born without arms and told that archery was impossible, 18-year-old Sheetal Devi trained through pain and doubt to master her craft. Today, she stands as India's first woman Para World Archery Champion, showing that courage and belief can break every barrier. Her story is a living reminder that no dream is too distant and no obstacle too great when you refuse to give up" wrote Yuvraj Singh.
Sheetal Devi's medals in the World Para Archery Championship
This is her third medal in the Championships after clinching mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar and beating Great Britain's pair of Jodie Grinham and Nathan MacQueen 152-149. In the compound women's open team event, Sheetal and Sarita secured the silver medal after losing to Turkey in the gold medal clash.
Sheetal Devi's painful story
Sheetal Devi was born without arms due to phocomelia, a congenital disorder where limbs are underdeveloped or absent. She overcame this challenge to become a world-renowned para-archer by mastering the sport using her feet and back to draw and release the bow.