Paralympic archery stars – Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar teamed up to inspire voters nationwide as ECI’s national icons for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In an event organised today at Nirvachan Sadan, CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu felicitated Arjuna Awardee and ECI’s national PwD icon, Sheetal Devi and her mixed doubles team partner Rakesh Kumar, in recognition of their outstanding achievement in winning a bronze medal in Archery at the Paris Summer Paralympics 2024. On the occasion, the Commission also announced Rakesh Kumar, renowned Paralympian as the ECI National icon for PwDs.
Sheetal Devi, accompanied by her mother Ms. Shakti Devi and coaches Ms. Abhilasha Chaudhary and Mr. Kuldeep Kumar, were warmly welcomed by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, today at Nirvachan Sadan.
The Commission while emphasising its commitment to accessible and inclusive elections said that as a young future voter from Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi motivates both youth and PwDs to engage in the democratic process.
CEC Rajiv Kumar in his address said that like in their game, the archers who belong to Jammu and Kashmir, will also team up to enhance voter participation in the election process, especially in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. While lauding the champions for their courage and determination, CEC said that when principles of equality and equity are upheld, disability is not seen as an obstacle but as an opportunity for developing additional strengths to overcome challenges. He added that Sheetal Devi at such a young age is an inspiration for youth and PwDs, encouraging them to engage in both sports and participation in the festival of democracy.
EC Gyanesh Kumar while congratulating the Paralympians, said that their journey is an inspiration for PwDs and being ECI national icons would help in encouraging voter participation.
EC DR S.S Sandhu lauded the champions for their dedication and determination, encouraging them to continue being a role model for many, particularly youth and PwDs.
During the ceremony, Sheetal Devi and Shri Rakesh Kumar captivated the audience with their extraordinary journeys from the small towns of Jammu & Kashmir to participating and winning medals in the Paris Paralympics. Their stories were marked by perseverance and determination exhibited by the athletes.
Sheetal Devi was announced as ECI National Icon just before the announcement of General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024 on March 16th of this year. At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi became India’s youngest Paralympic medallist. Her accomplishments 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 multiple accolades at the Asian Para Championship.
Rakesh Kumar who was announced as the National Icon for PwDs today has represented the country twice in archery in the Paralympic events at Tokyo and Paris. He has won Gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship and in Asian Para Games 2022-23. He also clinched a silver medal in the Individual and Men team at Asian Para Games 2022-23.
