New Delhi: In a historic recognition of achievement, 16-year-old para-archery player Sheetal Devi has been conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award for her outstanding performance. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Sheetal Devi secured this honour by clinching three medals, including two golds, during the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou.
What makes Sheetal’s accomplishment even more remarkable is that she was the only athlete to compete in archery without both hands. Her journey in the world of sports took a transformative turn when she participated in a sports competition organized by the Indian army.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed admiration for Sheetal Devi, sharing notes of praise for her remarkable achievements. The Arjuna Award recognises her not only as a skilled athlete but also as an inspiration for overcoming challenges and excelling in her chosen sport.
Heartfelt congratulations to @sushilachanu27 on receiving the Arjuna Award for her outstanding contribution to Hockey!
From her early days as a junior player to leading India with grace and resilience, she has showcased a bundle of talent. Her tenacity and incredible defensive… pic.twitter.com/MWmhyS5jdv
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) January 9, 2024
The Khel Ratna awards were also distributed, with Grandmaster R. Vaishali, sister of R. Praggnanandhaa, being one of the recipients. Following in the footsteps of chess luminaries like Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali has secured the title of Grand Master, marking a stellar achievement in her chess career.
Comments