The Paris Paralympic Games gave us the highest number of medals ever. Among them was a special victory – for the Mixed Team Compound Open in Archery. This was won by the duo from Jammu – Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar. Here’s a brief profile of the two.
Sheetal Devi
Born on 10 January 2007, in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, Sheetal Devi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and courage. Despite being born without arms due to a congenital disorder known as phocomelia, Sheetal refused to let her physical limitations define her. Introduced to archery in 2022 at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex, her natural athleticism and determination quickly shone through. Under the mentorship of coaches Abhilasha Chaudhary and Kuldeep Vedwan, she mastered a unique technique—using her legs, shoulder, and jaw to shoot arrows with a compound bow.
Sheetal’s meteoric rise in the world of para-archery has been nothing short of extraordinary. In her debut season, she secured a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships in 2023, becoming the first armless female archer to win a medal at the event. She followed this up with two gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2023, cementing her status as one of the world’s top para-archers. At just 17 years old, Sheetal is ranked number one in the world in the women’s compound open category and has her sights set on gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Sheetal’s unwavering belief in herself, combined with her resilience, has inspired millions. Her achievements are a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable with the right mindset and hard work.
Rakesh Kumar
Rakesh Kumar’s journey to becoming a world-class para-archer is one of resilience and determination. Born on January 13, 1985, in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, Rakesh’s life took a tragic turn in 2010 when a severe accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Confined to a wheelchair and facing deep despair, Rakesh found new hope when he was introduced to archery at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in 2017.
With the guidance of coach Kuldeep Kumar, Rakesh discovered a new passion for archery, which quickly transformed his life. Despite financial challenges and limited resources, his dedication to the sport propelled him to the top of the para-archery rankings. In 2023, Rakesh secured a gold medal in the Mixed Team event at the World Archery Para Championships and delivered a stellar performance at the Asian Para Games, establishing himself as one of India’s premier para-athletes.
Rakesh’s story exemplifies the power of resilience, proving that even the toughest obstacles can be overcome with determination and belief in oneself. His achievements are a source of pride for India and an inspiration to those facing adversity.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex: A Catalyst For Success
Both Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar owe much of their success to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. The complex, known for identifying and nurturing young talent, played a crucial role in transforming the lives of these para-archers. For Sheetal, the facility offered an introduction to the world of archery and a support system that guided her through her early training. Coaches worked with her unique abilities, customizing equipment and developing techniques that allowed her to thrive in the sport.
Similarly, for Rakesh, the sports complex provided a second chance at life. After his accident, the support of the coaches and training infrastructure gave him the opportunity to develop his skills and pursue a new passion. The focus on individual development and technical training at the complex has helped these athletes rise to the pinnacle of international competition, proving that with the right resources, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
What Does Waqf Board Contribute To?
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, stands as a beacon of opportunity for aspiring athletes, including para-archers like Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar. This facility, renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and individualized coaching, has played a pivotal role in the lives of these athletes. Through tailored training programs and unwavering support, the complex has nurtured their talents and provided them with a platform to shine on the global stage. The board’s commitment to sports development showcases the power of institutions in fostering both physical and mental strength in young athletes, empowering them to transcend their limitations and aim for international success.
In contrast, the Waqf Board, historically centered around religious and charitable activities, has not prioritized initiatives like sports development in its agenda. While it plays a vital role in managing educational and community welfare projects such as Jamia Hamdard or Waqf Board College in Madurai, TN, the board’s focus remains on traditional forms of social service, often neglecting areas such as sports infrastructure for physically challenged individuals. This lack of emphasis on athletic programs can limit opportunities for individuals with disabilities who may benefit from the same kind of transformative support offered by facilities like the Shrine Board’s sports complex. Encouraging a shift towards including sports and physical development in Waqf’s purview could provide new avenues for empowerment and integration.
Here's an example of a world-class sports complex established by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which produced a legend like Sheetal Devi. The question we need to ask ourselves is, is there a similar facility built by any Waqf board anywhere in India? I'd love to be… https://t.co/FQhmv1uTKK
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) September 25, 2024
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