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A Para-Archer’s Triumph
India's renowned para-archer, Rakesh Kumar has recently shared his emotions after being honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award at the National Sports Awards 2025. This recognition is a culmination of his unwavering dedication and hard work spanning eight years. The Arjuna Award is a testament to Kumar's exceptional performance, particularly highlighted by his achievements at the Paris Paralympics.
A Memorable Win at the Paris Paralympics
Last year, Rakesh Kumar alongside his teammate Sheetal Devi had secured a bronze medal in the mixed team compound archery event. Their victory over Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina marked a significant milestone in their careers. Kumar's performance in this global arena played a pivotal role in his nomination for the Arjuna Award.
Words of Joy and Pride
In an interview with ANI, Rakesh Kumar expressed his elation, saying, "I am very happy that my hard work of eight years has paid off. I will receive this award from our President, I am very proud." His statement reflects the immense satisfaction and pride derived from years of perseverance and dedication to his sport.
Celebrations in the Para-Sports Community
The celebration extended beyond Kumar as India's para-shooter Mona Agarwal also shared her joy upon receiving the Arjuna Award. "I am very happy. We are celebrating this gift from the government like a festival. We are very proud to receive this honour. I am also preparing for the Asian Games coming up in 2026," Agarwal stated. Her remarks underscore the sense of community and collective pride among India’s para-athletes.
Continued Excellence in Para-Sports
The spirit of excellence in Indian para-sports was further demonstrated by reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara. She continued her winning streak by clinching gold in the women's 10m air rifle final at the Paris Paralympics. Meanwhile, Mona Agarwal added to India's medal tally with a bronze in the same event further illustrating the country’s growing expertise in the para-sports arena.
Rakesh Kumar's Arjuna Award is a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and achievements in para-archery. His journey along with the accomplishments of his peers like Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara, reflects the hard work and determination prevalent among India's para-athletes. As they continue to excel and inspire, the future of para-sports in India looks bright and promising.
Celebrating Excellence in Indian Sports: Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards 2024
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports recently announced the recipients of the prestigious Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in various sports disciplines in 2024. These awards highlight the dedication, hard work, and exceptional performances of Indian athletes on both national and international stages.
Khel Ratna Awardees: Honouring Top Performers
This year, the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, has been bestowed upon several distinguished athletes:
Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist continues to shine in the shooting arena with her remarkable skills. Gukesh Dommaraju, the World Chess Champion, has made a significant mark in the world of chess with his strategic brilliance. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian men's hockey team has led his team with great determination and skill. Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete, has been recognized for his outstanding performances in para-sports. These athletes have set new benchmarks in their respective fields by inspiring countless other players to pursue excellence in sports.
Arjuna Awardees: Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
The Arjuna Awards, given for consistently excellent performance in sports, have also been announced, celebrating the achievements of numerous athletes:
In men's hockey, players Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and the women's hockey team captain Salima Tete have been honored for their contributions to the sport.
Vantika Agrawal, an Indian chess grandmaster, and Jyothi Yarraji, a talented athlete, have been recognized for their significant contributions to their respective fields.
Several para-athletes have been awarded for their exceptional performances including Preeti Pal, Jeevanji Deepthi, Ajeet Singh, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Dharambir, Pranav Soorma, Hokato Sema, Simran, and Navdeep.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Lauds Rakesh Kumar on Arjuna Award Achievement
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has extended its warmest congratulations to para-archer Rakesh Kumar, who has been honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award. This recognition celebrates Rakesh’s exceptional contributions to the field of para-archery and his outstanding accomplishments on both national and international stages.
Rakesh Kumar, a native of Katra in Jammu & Kashmir has made his community and the entire nation proud through his remarkable achievements. His dedication to the sport concluded in a significant victory at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where he secured a bronze medal. The Shrine Board in a statement had highlighted how his success has brought immense pride to the region.
The dedication and perseverance displayed by Rakesh Kumar have become a source of inspiration for many aspiring athletes across India. According to the Shrine Board’s CEO, Ansgul Garg, "Rakesh Kumar's recognition with the Arjuna Award is a moment of great pride for us. His journey from Katra to international podiums is a testament to his hard work and determination." This sentiment underscores the impact of Rakesh’s journey on the community and the nation at large.
Commitment to Grassroots Development
The Shrine Board’s efforts are focused on promoting sports from the grassroots level by ensuring that young athletes from Jammu & Kashmir have the opportunity to develop their skills and follow in the footsteps of icons like Rakesh Kumar. This commitment aims to foster a vibrant sports culture in the region.
A Momentous Recognition
Rakesh Kumar’s recent accolade was marked by his receipt of the Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in sports, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan. His exceptional performance at the Paris Paralympics, alongside his partner Sheetal Devi, where they clinched the bronze medal in the mixed team compound event had further solidified his status as a top-tier athlete.
Through the recognition of athletes like Rakesh Kumar, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board continues to inspire and support the sporting community by fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance.
Olympic and Paralympic Shooters: A Special Mention
The list of Arjuna Award recipients also includes Swapnil Suresh Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, both Olympic medalists, as well as Mona Agarwal and Rubina Francis, who have excelled in Paralympic shooting events.
The announcement of these awards underscores the immense talent present in Indian sports today. It celebrates not just victories but also the spirit of perseverance and dedication that drives athletes to achieve greatness. As these athletes receive their well-deserved honours, they continue to inspire the nation, paving the way for future generations to dream big and aim high in the world of sports.
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