India's para-archery champion Sheetal Devi has arrived in Aichi-Nagoya for the Asian Para Games 2026 with a singular objective — defend her gold medal and add to the three medals she has already claimed across continental competition. The 19-year-old, ranked world number one in Compound Archery, enters the tournament in Japan as both the title holder and the form archer of the circuit.

Dominant Form Heading Into Japan

Sheetal's confidence ahead of the Games is rooted in a standout recent performance. At the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad last month, she shot 698 out of a possible 720 in qualification, improving her own Asian record. Of her 72 arrows, 51 landed in the 10-ring or its central X-ring — leaving her 10 points clear of the rest of the field. She had previously won the individual world title in Gwangju in 2025, finishing with three perfect arrows to defeat Türkiye's Öznur Cüre Girdi by a score of 146-143.

The Coach's Focus: Pressure, Not Technique

Her coach Gaurav Sharma has indicated that the challenge in Japan will be mental rather than mechanical. 'Our primary focus has been on consistency and mental setup. At her level, major technical changes are unnecessary; the key is maintaining seamless rhythm under pressure and ensuring external expectations don't distract her execution on the target line,' Sharma said, according to the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).

Sharma added that leading into the Games, specific work was done on core stability and adapting to variable wind conditions. 'Her biggest growth since Paris is tactical maturity and shot confidence under pressure,' he noted. On her uniqueness as an athlete, he explained: 'Her shooting style is biomechanically unique to her body, so we never alter her natural rhythm. Instead, we focus on micro-refinements, optimising her release consistency, anchor point stability, and physical endurance.'

A Unique Technique Born From Necessity

Born with phocomelia — a rare congenital condition that affected her limb development — Sheetal grew up in Loidhar village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir without upper limbs. She learnt to write, eat and carry out daily tasks using her feet. Her sporting potential was first identified at a camp in 2019, after which coach Kuldeep Kumar introduced her to archery.

Her technique is extraordinary: she holds the compound bow with her foot, uses her toes to position the arrow, raises her leg toward the target, and generates the draw through her back and shoulders. A specially adapted release aid allows her to release the bowstring through a movement of her jaw. Training began with resistance bands and targets placed just a few metres away before she gradually built the balance and control required to compete at 50 metres.

Her method was partly inspired by American Paralympic champion Matt Stutzman, who pioneered competitive archery using his feet. When the two met at the 2023 World Championships in Pilsen, Stutzman examined her equipment and suggested adjustments. Notably, Sheetal shot 689 in qualification at those championships — four points more than Stutzman himself.

A Record That Keeps Growing

Sheetal's medal haul reflects her rapid rise. She claimed two gold medals and a silver at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023, including the individual Compound Archery title she now seeks to defend. She followed that with a mixed team bronze alongside Rakesh Kumar at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite growing recognition and international attention, her coach believes she remains grounded. 'Sheetal has remarkable natural humility, which keeps her grounded despite the spotlight,' Sharma said.

What to Watch in Nagoya

Competition is expected to be fierce, particularly from South Korea, China, and Iran. Sharma stressed that the outcome will hinge on composure: 'Winning a medal will come down to mental composure and process discipline — focusing entirely on executing her own shot routine rather than watching the opponent's scoreboard.' All eyes will be on whether Sheetal can complete a historic back-to-back gold in Nagoya.