Excelsior Sports Correspondent
REASI, Sept 16: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) hosted a grand felicitation event today to honour Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, who won bronze medals at the recently concluded Paralympics 2024. This gesture of recognition was conducted on behalf of Manoj Sinha, Chairman, SMVDSB and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Both athletes, who were nurtured and trained at the SMVD Sports Complex, have brought pride to the nation with their outstanding performances. The Shrine Board organized a ceremonial event at the SMVD Sports Complex in Katra to celebrate their achievements.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, expressed profound pride in Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar’s remarkable accomplishment. He emphasized that their bronze medal victory in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event at the Paris Paralympics has established them as pioneering Olympic medalists from Jammu and Kashmir. Garg highlighted that their success is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and the divine blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. He also noted that their achievements are inspiring new sportspersons and reinforcing the Shrine Board’s commitment to sports development.
The CEO reaffirmed the Shrine Board’s dedication to promoting sports, particularly Olympic disciplines such as shooting, archery, and athletics. He mentioned the Board’s substantial annual investment of Rs 2.5 to 3 crore over the past 8-9 years in building world-class sports infrastructure and supporting talented athletes. This investment is now yielding impressive results on the international stage, with Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar being prime examples.
As a gesture of appreciation, the CEO presented the medalists with sacred gifts, including a Chunri and other revered offerings from Mata Vaishno Devi Ji.
Sheetal Devi, known for her groundbreaking foot-shooting technique, has defied significant health challenges to make a mark in the sport. Since her debut in 2019, she has won multiple medals, including two golds and one silver at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, and a silver at the World Archery Para Championships 2023 in the Czech Republic. She secured her spot at the Paris Paralympics and is ranked as the world’s number one in women’s compound para-archery.
Rakesh Kumar, who has also overcome personal challenges, has made significant progress in his career since 2017. His notable achievements include winning gold and silver medals at the 2023 Asian Para Games in individual and team events, gold at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships and a bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The success of Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar reflects the expert guidance and mentorship provided by their coaches, Kuldeep Vedwan and Abhilasha Chaudhary, at the SMVDSB Sports Complex.
Both athletes expressed their gratitude to the Shrine Board for the warm welcome and recognition. They stated that this acknowledgment motivates them to continue working hard and bringing further laurels to the country.
The event was attended by the Additional Chief Executive Officer, Joint Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, Director Sports, senior officials of the Shrine Board, esteemed coaches, and other sportspersons.
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