India celebrated a historic moment at the Paris Paralympics 2024 as archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar clinched the bronze medal in the mixed team event. This achievement marks only the second time India has won a medal in archery at the Paralympics, following Harvinder Singh’s individual bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics 2021. The victory is a testament to the remarkable skills and resilience of the Indian archery team, as they continue to make their mark on the global stage.
At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi has become a worldwide sensation at the Paris Paralympics 2024. As the only female armless athlete in this edition of the Paralympics, Sheetal’s story is one of extraordinary determination and perseverance. Diagnosed with a rare medical condition called phocomelia, which left her with severely underdeveloped arms, Sheetal refused to let her physical limitations define her future. Hailing from Kashmir, she grew up to be a confident and fearless archer, determined to succeed on the international stage.
On Monday, September 2, 2024, Sheetal Devi and her partner Rakesh Kumar delivered a spectacular performance in the mixed team compound archery competition. The duo made a fairytale comeback after a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals earlier in the day. In a thrilling match against Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina, Sheetal and Rakesh secured the bronze medal with a narrow 156-155 victory. The win was a culmination of their hard work, determination, and the strong partnership they had built throughout the competition.
The path to the bronze medal was not without its challenges. After their disappointing semifinal loss to Iran, where a crucial shot was downgraded during the final end, the Indian duo faced immense pressure. However, they displayed remarkable composure and resilience, bouncing back with a renewed sense of purpose in the bronze medal match. In the final end against Italy, history seemed to repeat itself when Sheetal’s shot was initially marked as a 9. But after a revision, it was upgraded to a perfect 10, securing the bronze medal for India.
Sheetal Devi’s bronze medal victory is not only a significant achievement for India but also a historic moment for Indian women in sports. She became the first Indian woman to win an archery medal at the Paralympics, breaking new ground for female athletes in the country. This milestone is a source of immense pride and inspiration, highlighting the growing prominence of Indian women in the world of sports.
Behind every successful athlete is a dedicated coach, and for Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, that person is Kuldeep Vedhwan. As their coach, Kuldeep played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the duo throughout their journey to the Paralympics. His strategic insights and unwavering support were instrumental in helping them achieve this historic victory. Kuldeep’s presence in the stands, celebrating the win, was a moment of joy and fulfillment for the entire team.
The success of Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is a powerful testament to the importance of teamwork and tenacity. Their bronze medal in the Para Archery Mixed Team Compound Open event is a reflection of their mutual support, dedication, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. The duo’s journey together has been nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating that with the right mindset and collaboration, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
As India celebrates this historic victory, the future of Indian Paralympic archery looks brighter than ever. Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of para-athletes, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals with passion and determination. With the continued support of coaches, mentors, and the sports community, India’s presence in the Paralympics will only grow stronger in the years to come.
Conclusion: A Momentous Achievement for India
The bronze medal won by Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is more than just a sporting achievement; it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. Their historic win has not only added to India’s medal tally but has also left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. As the nation celebrates this momentous occasion, it is a reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.