India’s para archery team added another feather to their cap at the Paris Paralympics 2024, securing a bronze medal in the mixed compound team event. The duo of Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar edged out the Italian pair of Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina in a nail-biting final, winning 156-155. This marks India’s second para archery medal at the Paralympics, following Harvinder Singh’s bronze medal triumph in Tokyo.
Rakesh Kumar, a familiar face in the world of para archery, previously won gold at the 2023 Para Asian Games in the mixed compound team event alongside Sheetal Devi. He also claimed silver in the men’s compound individual and men’s doubles compound events at the same Games. Although both Rakesh and Sheetal fell short of winning medals in the individual events at the Paris Paralympics, their bronze medal victory in the mixed compound team is a testament to their dedication and talent. This victory not only highlights the growing prowess of Indian para archery but also inspires aspiring athletes to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.
