Role model, inspiration, trailblazer in para archery: Nation lauds Sheetal Devi on winning Arjuna Award

Sheetal Devi receiving Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu

Sheetal Devi, the teenaged armless archer who has widely earned recognition for India through her performance in para archery, was on January 9 conferred with the Arjuna Award, one of the country's top civilian honours, by President Droupadi Murmu.

Prominent countrymen took to social media to laud her achievement, calling her a "role model", "inspiration" and a "trailblazer in para archery".

President Droupadi Murmu confers Arjuna Award, 2023 on Ms Sheetal Devi for her achievements in Para Archery. She has won:

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● Three gold medals and one silver medal in the 4th Para Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China in 2023.
● One silver medal in the World Para Archery… pic.twitter.com/MYrmcwp5wp

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 9, 2024

"A trailblazer in para archery, she not only shoots arrows with precision but also inspires countless with her indomitable spirit. Let's applaud this extraordinary talent and role model! (sic)," Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri posted on social media platform X.

"Moment of pride! Daughter of #Kishtwar, Para-archer Sheetal Devi receives “Arjuna Award” from President Smt Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports (sic)," Union minister of state for space Jitendra Singh tweeted.

Here's what Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said

"Heartfelt congratulations to Sheetal Devi on being bestowed with the Arjuna Award for her extraordinary accomplishments in Para-Archery. Sheetal, you are a role model for the nation and the world; you have made the world acknowledge your passion, zeal, and hard work. May you continue to push boundaries and inspire us to do so. The world has a lot to learn from you! (sic)."

Heartfelt congratulations to Sheetal Devi on being bestowed with the Arjuna Award for her extraordinary accomplishments in Para-Archery.

Sheetal, you are a role model for the nation and the world; you have made the world acknowledge your passion, zeal, and hard work. May you… pic.twitter.com/0kOrh4io0Q

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) January 9, 2024

"Haar tab hai jab maan liya, Jeet hai unki jinhone thaan liya. What an inspiration is Sheetal Devi. Ideal role-model for this generation. With limited resources, but a never-say die attitude and incredible grit," former cricketer Virendra Sehwag tweeted.

"Agar Haunsla hai toh phir Faasla kya hai. Truly proud of Sheetal Devi who continues to be an inspiration with her incredible grit and achievements. Many congratulations Sheetal Devi on the Arjuna Award and may you keep on making us proud," VVS Laxman, another Indian cricket legend, said.

Devi, notably, became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games in October this year.