J&K’s Rakesh Kumar to receive Arjuna award for Para-Archery excellence

Srinagar, Jan 2: Among the illustrious list of National Sports Awards 2024 recipients, Rakesh Kumar from Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. The para-archer, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, will be honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding achievements in para-archery.

This comes after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Thursday announced the National Sports Awards 2024, recognising exceptional achievements in sports and contributions to the promotion of sports in India.

The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Born and raised in Katra, Rakesh Kumar's journey to the pinnacle of para-archery has been marked by challenges and triumphs. The 39-year-old from Katra faced a life-altering accident in 2010 that left both his legs paralyzed, leaving him wheelchair-bound. Kumar turned to archery as a form of rehabilitation.

In 2024, Kumar made headlines by clinching multiple medals at international para-archery championships, including a gold medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also placed Katra, a town known for its spiritual significance, on the map of sporting excellence.

Notably, the applications were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal.

A large number of applications were received for these awards this year, which were considered by the Selection Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian, Supreme Court of India and consisting members from eminent sportspersons, persons having experience in sports journalism and sports administrators.