Jammu, Sep 16 (UNI) Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Monday accorded a grand welcome to Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, the bronze medallists in the recently concluded Paralympics-2024, on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Board.
As per the handout issued here, the dynamic duo, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi nurtured and trained at the SMVD Sports Complex brought laurels to the nation with their exceptional performance.
In recognition of their outstanding achievement, the Shrine Board felicitated them at a ceremonial event held at the SMVD Sports Complex, Katra.
Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Anshul Garg congratulated both the archers on their remarkable achievement at the Paris Paralympics, expressing immense pride in the success of these Shrine’s para-archers which has brought laurels not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire nation.
The CEO said that with their bronze medal win in the Mixed Team Compound Open Archery event, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have forever engraved their names in the archives of sporting history by cementing their status as Jammu and Kashmir’s pioneering Olympic medallists.
He exhorted that success in sports is not an overnight achievement but a culmination of years of dedication, hard work and perseverance and achievement of these medallists is a testament to their unwavering dedication, guidance of their coaches and above all, the divine blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Their success is giving a new impetus to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex by inspiring budding sportspersons and creating new sporting icons, he added.
Garg reaffirmed the Shrine Board’s dedication to promoting various sports, particularly Olympic disciplines like shooting, archery and athletics to empower athletes to excel and bring glory to the nation.
He highlighted that the Board’s consistent annual investment of Rs 2.5 to 3 crore over the past 8-9 years in developing world-class sports infrastructure and nurturing talented athletes at its complex is now yielding remarkable results on international stages.
He highlighted the success of two world-class archers, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi, who have made a mark globally.
As a token of blessings and appreciation, the CEO presented the medallists with sacred gifts including a Chunri and other revered offerings of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Sheetal and Rakesh Kumar expressed their gratitude to the Shrine Board for the warm welcome and felicitation stating that this recognition motivates them to work harder and bring more laurels to the country.
Among those present on the occasion were Additional Chief Executive Officer, Joint Chief Executive Officer SMVDSB, Director Sports, SMVD Sports Complex, other senior officials of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, esteemed coaches and sportspersons.
