Galgotias University student Rakesh Kumar won a historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi on their victory.

Paris, 3 September – Galgotias University proudly announces that its student Rakesh Kumar along with Sheetal Devi created history by winning the bronze medal in the Mixed Compound Open Archery event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Indian pair won a thrilling 156-155 win against Elenoara Sarti and Matteo Bonacchina of Italy, marking a significant milestone for India on the global stage.

The final match was a testament to the unflinching spirit and precision of the Indian archers. Trailing by one point, Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi shot four perfect 10s in the final set, equalling the Paralympic record and winning by a slim margin. This win is the second medal won by India in archery at the Paralympic Games, after Harvinder Singh won bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Inspiring Journey of Rakesh Kumar

This bronze medal is Rakesh Kumar’s first Paralympic medal, the culmination of years of consistent performance at the highest level. A Para World Championship and Asian Para Games gold medallist, Rakesh has overcome extraordinary challenges. After suffering a spinal cord injury that confined him to a wheelchair, Rakesh battled depression and came back from the brink of despair to the Paralympic podium. His journey from the brink of despair to the Paralympic podium is a powerful testament to perseverance and resolve.

A proud moment for Galgotias University.

Galgotias University is extremely proud of this unparalleled achievement of Rakesh Kumar. His success at the Paralympic Games is not only a personal triumph but also a shining example of the strength and resolve of our students. Moments like these inspire our entire community to strive for excellence and give them the courage to overcome any obstacle.

Expressing his immense delight, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “Rakesh Kumar’s extraordinary success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is not just a medal; it is a symbol of the relentless pursuit of excellence. His story of courage and perseverance is a source of inspiration for our entire community. We are honoured to support students like Rakesh, who embody the spirit of true perseverance and determination. At Galgotias University, we are committed to instilling such perseverance in our students, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in recognition of the significance of this win, congratulated Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi on Twitter, further reinforcing the significance of this achievement for India.

About Galgotias University

Galgotias University, renowned for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, is dedicated to nurturing and honing the talents of its students. With an emphasis on inclusive education and motivating individuals to reach their full potential, the University is proud that its students are excelling on the global stage.

Accredited with an A+ rating by NAAC in its very first cycle, Galgotias University offers a wide range of over 200 programmes across more than 20 schools, including polytechnic, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD courses. Consistently ranked among the top universities in India, Galgotias University has been lauded for its innovative approach to education, receiving an “Outstanding” status in the ARIIA Rankings 2021. Since 2020, the University has been consistently awarded the highest 4-star rating by the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC) for promoting innovation and start-ups.