Paralympic archery champions Ms. Sheetal Devi and Shri Rakesh Kumar team up to inspire voters nationwide as ECI’s national icons for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In an event organised today at Nirvachan Sadan, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gynaesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu felicitated Arjuna Awardee and ECI’s national PwD icon, Ms. Sheetal Devi and her mixed doubles teampartner Shri Rakesh Kumar, in recognition of their outstanding achievement inwinning a bronze medal in Archery at the Paris Summer Paralympics 2024. On theoccasion, the Commission also announced Shri Rakesh Kumar, renowned paralympian as the ECI National icon for PwDs.
Ms. 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 Shri 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 Ms. 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 Shri Gyansh 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, Ms. 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.
