Sheetal Devi without arms and Rakesh Kumar without legs, have done it for the country in Paralympic 2024.
This is what we call the true motivation, overcoming all the odds, they have achieved it.
Sheetal Devi
When you first hear about Sheetal Devi and the way she plays her sport, it’s almost impossible to believe—an armless archer? The words themselves seem contradictory. But then you watch her in action, and your disbelief transforms into astonishment.
It’s a shift from “How can that be?” to “I can’t believe what I’m seeing!” There’s no way to fully describe the feeling of witnessing something you never thought was possible, but that’s exactly the sensation you get when watching her.
Once you’ve seen Sheetal Devi in action, you can’t look away. Her performance is nothing short of breathtaking—a true marvel in the world of sports.
As videos of her have gone viral worldwide during these Paralympic Games, people everywhere have become mesmerized. It’s an instant and unavoidable captivation, sparked by the sheer skill and complexity of her technique.
Imagine the precision it takes: her feet holding the bow steady at eye level, the heavy equipment gripped between her big toe and second toe, and her mouth pulling back a band attached to the arrow, which is notched into a device on her shoulder.
She uses a powerful combination of stretching her leg holding the bow and engaging the muscles in her chest and shoulder to draw the arrow back and release it with as much force and accuracy as any professional using their hands.
All this happens within seconds, in one seamless, balletic motion.
Rakesh Kumar
Rakesh Kumar, born on January 13, 1985, in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, grew up in a humble family with his father working as a carpenter and his mother as a housewife.
In 2010, Rakesh’s life took a drastic turn when he was involved in an accident that left both of his legs paralyzed, confining him to a wheelchair. The aftermath was challenging, and Rakesh struggled with thoughts of suicide.
However, over time, Rakesh emerged as one of India’s most notable athletes. His talent was discovered by Coach Kuldeep Kumar, who saw potential in him and took him under his wing.
In 2017, when an archery center was set up at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex, the coach invited Rakesh to visit and promote the sport. Rakesh quickly developed a passion for archery and decided to join the very next day.
Since then, Rakesh has been dedicated to archery, practicing regularly despite his financial difficulties. To support his training, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board provided him with a monthly allowance through their sports scheme.
Rakesh’s hard work and determination paid off as he won several medals at the national level before making a mark on the international stage. His achievements have inspired his coach, who believes Rakesh has the potential to become one of the brightest stars in Indian archery.
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