In a nail-biting finale, Indian archers Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi brought home bronze in the mixed compound archery event at the Paris Paralympic Games. The 39-year-old Kumar and 17-year-old Devi, both from Jammu and Kashmir, defeated Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina with a scoreline of 156-155, marking India's second ever medal in archery at the Paralympic Games. The young Sheetal, born with a rare medical condition, proved to be an unstoppable force on the global stage, while Rakesh, despite a debilitating spinal cord injury, displayed incredible resilience and determination.
Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi: India's Archery Medalists at the Paris Paralympics
In a nail-biting finale at the Paris Paralympic Games, Indian archers Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the mixed compound archery event, marking India's second-ever Paralympic archery medal. The victory showcases the indomitable spirit and exceptional talent of these remarkable athletes.
Rakesh Kumar: Overcoming Spinal Cord Injury
Rakesh Kumar, 39, hails from Jammu and Kashmir. At the age of 17, he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that left him wheelchair-bound. However, his determination to pursue his passion for archery never wavered. Despite the physical challenges, Rakesh trained relentlessly, honing his skills and conquering adversity.
Sheetal Devi: Rising Star with a Rare Condition
Sheetal Devi, 17, is also from Jammu and Kashmir. She was born with a rare medical condition that affected her growth and development. However, her love for archery ignited at a young age. With unwavering support from her family and coaches, Sheetal pursued the sport with an unyielding determination.
Paris Paralympics: Historic Achievement
At the Paris Paralympics, the duo of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi made history. In a thrilling final against Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina, the Indians prevailed with a scoreline of 156-155. Their victory brought immense joy and pride to India, demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and unwavering spirit.
FAQs
Compound archery uses a compound bow with a pulley system that reduces the holding weight for the archer, allowing for increased accuracy and power.
Through rigorous training and unwavering determination, Rakesh Kumar regained his strength and precision, adapting his shooting technique to his physical limitations.
Sheetal Devi was born with achondroplasia, a genetic condition that affects bone growth and development. However, she has defied the odds and excelled in archery.
Before Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi's bronze medal, India's only previous Paralympic archery medal was a silver won by Deepa Malik in the 2016 Rio Games.
The victory of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes and the growing inclusivity of sports for individuals with disabilities.
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