Paralympic medallist Rakesh Kumar named to India’s prestigious Arjuna Award
Para archer Rakesh Kumar is set to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award at a ceremony in New Delhi on 17 January 2025.
The Indian will be presented with the prize along with 31 others able-bodied and para athletes, who have impressed with their performances in international meets and brought laurels to the country.
“I’m extremely honoured,” said Kumar. “Recognitions like these ahead of a new season boosts the confidence and focus of a player and to maintain the same performance in the upcoming season.
“These awards will help me with lot of positive energy and boost my preparation for the new season.”
The Arjuna has been India’s second-highest sporting honour since it was first awarded in 1961.
Kumar is the third para archer to be recognised with the prize. Harvinder Singh was the first in 2021 and Sheetal Devi the second in 2024.
The 39-year-old has been in the limelight even before the announcement of this year’s list, being recognised as the most consistent athlete of the year in Paralympic sport by the GoSport Foundation at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai in December.
GoSport Foundation is a non-profit venture working towards the development of India’s elite and emerging athletes in Olympic and Paralympic sport.
Kumar had been named male para archer of the year at the Times of India sports awards in 2023.
The last two years have been exceptional for the Indian para archer, with gold medals in the mixed team events at the Pilsen 2023 World Archery Para Championships in Pilsen and at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou alongside Sarita.
Kumar and Sarita gave India its first ever world para archery championship title with their victory last year.
Continuing his impressive form, the compounder also clinched a first Paralympic medal – mixed team bronze at the Paris 2024 Games pairing with the 17-year-old armless archer Sheetal Devi.
“2024 has been a good season for me, my performance has improved,” added Kumar. “Though I couldn’t achieve my dream to become an individual champion in the Paralympic Games but the work continues.”
The Indian para archer also shared that clear goals for 2025.
“I make small targets – daily, weekly and then yearly. I will focus on my skills and performances in my individual matches and I’m already working on it,” he concluded.
