J&K paralympic archers named ECI PwD Icons

Jammu: Paralympic archery champions from Jammu & Kashmir, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, have been selected as the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) National Icons for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), aimed at driving voter awareness across the country. The announcement was made during a special event organized on Wednesday at Nirvachan Sadan, where the ECI honoured the two athletes for their outstanding achievements and efforts in inspiring the PwD community.
Chief Election Commissioner, along with the Election Commissioners, felicitated Arjuna Awardee and ECI's National PwD icon, Sheetal Devi, and her mixed doubles archery partner, Rakesh Kumar, in recognition of their recent bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics.
During the event, the Commission officially announced Rakesh Kumar as a National Icon for PwDs. This recognition comes as part of ECI's initiative to ensure accessible and inclusive elections, particularly encouraging participation from Persons with Disabilities. Both Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, are seen as role models in motivating the youth and PwDs to actively engage in the democratic process.
The CEC, in his address, praised the athletes for their courage and resilience, highlighting their exceptional journey from the small towns of Jammu & Kashmir to global sporting events like the Paralympics. "Just as they have excelled in archery, they will now team up to enhance voter participation in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir," he said.
Sheetal Devi, at just 17 years old, made history by becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medalist. Her remarkable achievements include gold medals in both Individual and Mixed Team events at the 2023 Asian Para Games, a silver medal at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship, and other accolades at the Asian Para Championship. She was previously named ECI's National Icon in March 2024, just before the announcement of the General Elections to the Lok Sabha.
Rakesh Kumar, also hailing from Jammu & Kashmir, has represented India twice at the Paralympics in Tokyo and Paris. His impressive accomplishments include a Gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship and at the Asian Para Games 2022-23, as well as a silver medal in the Individual and Men's team events at the same Asian Games.