Bhubaneswar: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) felicitated para-archers Rakesh Kumar and Pawan Kumar for their exceptional performances at the 2025 Para Archery World Championship held in Gwangju, South Korea from September 19 to 30.
Rakesh Kumar, recipient of the Arjuna Award 2024, was honoured for winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s Compound Open category, marking another proud moment for India and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Alongside him, Pawan Kumar—the first differently-abled archer from J&K to represent India at this global event—was also felicitated for his inspiring participation.
Abhilasha Chaudhary, Archery Coach of the Shrine Board and a member of the Indian Para Archery contingent, was recognized for her dedicated mentorship and contribution to the sport.
The honours were presented by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO of SMVDSB, who awarded the athletes mementoes and the sacred Chunri of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji as tokens of divine blessings and appreciation.
Vaishya lauded the athletes’ indomitable spirit and reaffirmed the Shrine Board’s commitment—under the guidance of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, Chairman of SMVDSB—to nurturing young talent through world-class sports infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the Shrine Board’s Sports Complex as a Centre of Excellence, equipped with modern facilities for budding sportspersons.
Pawan Kumar, a native of Dansal village in Katra and trainee at the SMVDSB Sports Complex, received ₹7 lakh in financial assistance from the Board to support his participation in the world championship. His journey, marked by resilience and dedication, stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring para-athletes across India.
Also present at the ceremony were Additional CEO Alok Kumar Maurya, Assistant CEO Dhruv Gupta, and other officers of the Shrine Board.
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