Exclusive/ Sheetal Devi Reveals What Went Through Her Head When India's National Anthem Was Played

The Paris Paralympics have just come to an end and it was India's best-ever outing at any Paralympics games ever. India finished the global sporting event with 29 medals which is 10 more than India's previous best. The 29 medals India won consisted of 7 Gold, 9 Silver, and 13 Bronze medals. One of the gold medals belongs to Harvinder Singh who won India's first-ever gold in archery at the Paralympics. Upon winning the gold he celebrated with his teammate Sheetal Devi, the armless archer who gained fame for winning the bronze medal in the mixed-compound archery event. 

Along with that Sheetal Devi also gained fame after a video of her hitting a bullseye went viral on social media. 

Sheetal Devi On Emotions Upon Hearing National Anthem 

Sheetal Devi and Harvinder Singh recently sat down and had an exclusive chat with Republic Media. In their exclusive interview, the two para-athletes discussed several things from their time at the Paralympics. One of the topics discussed during the sitdown with Republic was the topic of the national anthem. 

In the interview, Sheetal Devi revealed what went through her head what she felt when she heard India's national anthem being played in Paris. 

Q- How does it feel when you watch your tricolour at the Paralympics podium and hear the national anthem? 

A- I feel really proud when our national anthem is being played at the Paralympics. When Harvinder bhaiya won Gold and our anthem was played I nearly teared up. I feel really proud when our country's national anthem is being played among all the nations. 

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Sheetal Devi won the bronze medal in the mixed-compound archery event at the Paralympics along with her teammate Rakesh Kumar. 

Sheetal's Journey To The Top 

Sheetal Devi has not had an easy journey to her bronze medal at the Paralympics as she overcame multiple adversities to get to where she is right now. Sheetal Devi has worked extremely hard to be on the best para-archers in the country. 

Q- Harvinder, people get emotional looking at Sheetal. Those who go through this difficulty complain a lot but Sheetal has a 'never die spirit' which everyone appreciates. You've trained with her so what's the biggest thing you've observed about her? 

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A- The biggest thing is despite her young age she doesn't get distracted by social life and friend circle. I've observed Sheetal's routine, she arrives at ground with her attendant and starts praciticing. She's also the smallest, so everyone deals with her kindly. So Sheetal never has any problems with anyone. Sheetal's arrival has brought more recognition to Para archery not only in the country but also in the world. She keeps focus on her game. According to me, her Bronze is also special because the entire country had seen her win medal in Para Asian Games and World Championship. So performing in front of that pressure is commendable. And I believe she will continue to represent India for years to come.  

Harvinder Singh was full of praises for his teammate Sheetal Devi.