India’s Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar Win Bronze at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Tags: Sports

Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar secured a bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

An Overview of the News

• They equalled the Paralympic record with 156 points, showing exceptional skill and composure.

Sheetal Devi's Journey

• Born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder without arms on January 10, 2007, in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir.

• The world’s first and only active female archer to compete without arms.

• Currently ranked first in the world in the compound open women’s category.

• Discovered by the Indian Army in 2019 and mentored by coach Kuldeep Vedwan.

• Achievements include gold medals at the 2023 Asian Para Games and silver at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship.

• Received the Arjuna Award 2023 from President Droupadi Murmu.

• From a small village with a farming background; first encountered a bow and arrow at 15.

Rakesh Kumar's Path

• Born on January 13, 1985, in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, and paralysed from the waist down after a 2010 accident.

• Took up archery in 2017 at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex, mentored by coach Kuldeep Kumar.

• Notable wins include a gold medal in the Mixed Team event at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship.