Paralympian Sheetal Devi Proves Nothing Is Impossible, Even Steering With Her Feet

News18

2 days ago

Taking to Instagram, Sheetal Devi shared a video, where she can be seen driving a car through the scenic roads of Jammu & Kashmir using her feet.
After winning the bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic 2024, Indian athlete Sheetal Devi is once again making headlines, but this time not for her sporting achievements, but for confidently taking the driver's seat.
Taking to Instagram, Sheetal Devi shared a video, where she can be seen driving a car through the scenic roads of Jammu & Kashmir using her feet. The vehicle she is driving is a specially modified Mahindra Scorpio N, gifted to her by Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra after she turned 18.
Sharing the clip, Sheetal wrote: 'Took on the driver's seat for a while, loving every moment of it." Along with it, she left her followers with a powerful message: 'Never say NEVER."
Within just a few hours, the video went viral, garnering millions of views and heartwarming reactions from fans and followers alike. The comments section was quickly filled with messages of admiration and pride. One user wrote, 'Aap toh desh ki saari ladkiyon ke liye ek inspiration ho, salute." Another added, 'Passed in one more challenge."
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Who is Sheetal Devi?
Sheetal Devi was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital condition that left her without arms. Yet, what many would see as a limitation became her driving force. From an early age, she pursued sports and proved that determination knows no physical boundaries.
During her initial para-archery training, coaches attempted to help her use prosthetics. But when that didn't work, they took a different path, one that changed her life. Inspired by Matt Stutzman, the American archer born without arms who won silver at the London 2012 Paralympics using his legs, Sheetal embraced alternative shooting techniques. She tried every method possible, from shooting with her legs and her jaw to adapting and experimenting with different techniques and perfecting her craft with relentless dedication.
That dedication bore fruit. In 2023, she became the world's number one para archer in the open category. She went on to win two golds and one silver at the Asian Para Games, followed by a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships.
Her defining moment came during the Paris Paralympics 2024, where she not only secured a bronze medal but also broke the previous world record of 698 points, scoring 703 out of 720. This made her one of just two athletes in history to win a Paralympic medal without arms.
Mahindra's Tribute to India's Paralympians
Sheetal Devi is not the only Paralympian to be recognised by Mahindra & Mahindra. The auto giant has previously honoured several other athletes who have brought glory to India on the global stage.
Among them is Avani Lekhara, who bagged gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle and bronze in the 50m Air Rifle events at the Paralympic Games. Then there's Sumit Antil, who clinched gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The company also gifted a specially customised XUV700 to Deepa Malik, a Paralympian and a prominent figure in Indian para-sports.
With each gesture, Mahindra continues to reinforce its commitment to celebrating grit, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of India's para-athletes.
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