Jammu, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, while lauding the inspiring spirit of para-athletes, asserted that famed archer Sheetal Devi made her home state Jammu and Kashmir and entire India proud by winning a medal in Paralympics.
“I, myself, have drawn great inspiration from the resilience-induced success of our specially-abled sportspersons. You would have heard all these names. Like in archery, one of our daughters is a wonderful sportsperson. You all know her name – she is Sheetal. When in the Paralympics, she won a medal, the entire Jammu and Kashmir – the entire India was swollen with pride,” PM Modi stated, while participating in the Khelo India Dialogue via video conference.
Para-archer Sheetal Devi, who hails from a remote area in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, had won bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at 2024 Paris Paralympics, becoming the youngest Indian Paralympics medalist.
Born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder, armless Sheetal has also won two gold medals in Asian Para Games, 2023; gold in World Para Archery Championships 2025.
Honoured with the Arjuna award in January 2024, 19-year-old Sheetal was named Para Archer of the Year-2025.
Highlighting the profound societal benefits of sports, the Prime Minister noted that true sportsmanship was essential for fostering a healthy society, strong family structures, and a superior work culture.
He emphasised that the athletic arena uniquely teaches individuals not just how to become champions, but how to resiliently face failures and rise again. “Sports do not only teach us to become champions, but sports also teach us to become better competitors,” he remarked.
Praising the incredible transformative power of sports, the Prime Minister singled out the nation’s para athletes for their profound ability to alter societal perspectives on life and adversity. He noted that the success of a specially-abled athlete fundamentally would revitalise their entire family, elevate the courage and dreams of parents and siblings who supported their early struggles.
Expressing deep personal inspiration, the Prime Minister celebrated the remarkable achievements of para-athletes like archer Sheetal, double Paralympic medalist Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, and Jhandu Kumar. He noted that their victories would always bring immense pride to their home states and the entire nation.
“When I meet Avani, I feel very proud; every such companion inspires us,” PM Modi said.
Framing sports as a fundamental guarantee for a better quality of life, the Prime Minister cited the legendary centenarian athlete Fauja Singh as the ultimate example of lifelong fitness and athletic passion. He emphasised that Fauja Singh’s life perfectly illustrated the deep interconnection between physical activity and overall well-being. “His life is a very big inspiration of how sports and quality of life are interconnected,” he noted.
