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India’s 16-year-old para-archer, Sheetal Devi became the first Indian archer to win the World Archery Awards on Friday, 29 December. The World Champion and Para Asian gold medallist, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir was awarded the best female para-archer of the year.
Sheetal Devi, who was recently awarded the Arjuna Award, also clinched the Best Female athlete title at the inaugural Differently Abled Sports Awards. Speaking of the achievement, Devi said, “I feel extremely happy to win the Best Female Athlete award. One and a half years ago, I picked up a bow for the first time. When I first joined the academy, I never thought I could play the sport, but my coaches never left faith on me and supported me throughout. I have qualified for the Olympics and I will work even harder to win a medal for my country.”
Apart from Devi, Guillaume Toucoullet won the para men archer of the year.
Sumit Antil wins Best Male athlete title at inaugural Differently Abled Sport Awards
Sumit Antil, the world record holder and 2020 Paralympic Games javelin throw medallist also won the Best Male athlete title. Antil, who holds the world champion title, set a 73.29m throw to set a world record at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
