NEW DELHI: World Archery Para Champion and world number one Sheetal Devi is not looking at LA 2028 Paralympics just yet, as she remains rooted in the present, focusing on a step-by-step ascent towards the Para Asian Games later this year in Japan before looking towards the larger goal of the Paralympics.
Last month, Sheetal took the honour of the para-archer of the year at the World Archery Awards after a breakthrough 2025 season that included a world title in Gwangju.
"I don't think too far ahead, like jumping straight to the Paralympics; I prefer taking it step by step, " Sheetal said in a press conference organised by Sports Authority of India (SAI). "Even in the World Series, my focus was simply on doing my best. The Paralympics will come later; since the Asian Games are happening first, that is where my main focus lies, ' she added.
Sheetal took silver at the World Archery Para Series event, which was the first outdoor international of 2026 as her compatriot Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee, clinched the gold with 139-136 in the final.
When asked about her preparation for the Para Asian Games in Japan, she replied, "So far, the training is going well", while coach Gaurav Sharma noted, "The preparations are going good. She hasn't played continuously this year so far, but the performance has remained strong. Coming in first or second is just a part of the game. It is great that the gold medal went to India. Payal considers Sheetal her idol, so losing to her is also a matter of pride since it was to a fellow Indian compatriot."