Paralympian Sheetal, Rakesh Become First Olympic Medalists From J&K

Srinagar, New Delhi: Ace archers’ duo of Jammu and Kashmir Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have bagged a bronze medal in the compound open archery mixed team event. The 39-year-old Rakesh Kumar hails from Katra, Reasi teamed up with 17-year-old Sheetal Devi from village of Loidhar, Kishtwar.
Reports said that duo defeated Italy’s Matteo Bonacina and Eleonora Sarti 156-155 to clinch bronze, just a few minutes after India suffered a narrow loss to Iran in the semi-finals. India won bronze after the 17-year-old Sheetal’s shot was upgraded following a revision. With just four arrows left, the Indians were trailing by a point with Sarti displaying awesome form even as her partner Bonacina struggled a bit. But the Indian pair held on to emerge winners in the end.
The duo has become first Olympic medalists from Jammu and Kashmir and interestingly it is only the second time that India has won a medal in Paralympics in archery.
Harvinder Singh bagged a bronze at the Tokyo edition of the Games three years ago. Coach Kuldeep Vedhwan praised their perseverance, especially highlighting the role of 17-year-old Sheetal, who became the first Indian woman to win an archery medal at the Paralympics.
This win also makes her one of the youngest medalists in India’s Paralympic history. The victory is even more significant when considering the personal challenges faced by both archers.
PM, LG Praise The Duo: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the team spirit demonstrated by athletes Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar by winning a Bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Modi posted on X: “Teamwork triumphs! Congratulations to Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar on winning the Bronze in Mixed Team Compound Open Archery. They have demonstrated remarkable dexterity and determination. India is delighted by this feat. #Cheer4Bharat” — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 2, 2024. Lieutenant Manoj Sinha congratulated Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar by winning Bronze in Mixed Team Compound Open Archery even at Paris Paralympics 2024. In a post on X , LG Sinha wrote, ” Sheetal Devi & Rakesh Kumar have brought glory to the nation and immense pride to J&K by winning Bronze in Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event at #ParisParalympics2024. You inspire millions across the nation. Many congratulations on this remarkable achievement.”