"Sheetal and I made a formidable pair" - Rakesh Kumar speaks highly of teammate Sheetal Devi, opens up on becoming a Paralympic medalist at 39

Rakesh Kumar is one of the brightest role models that any budding athlete can look up to. The para-archer has proven that by not giving up, achieving any dream is possible. At 39, Rakesh along with his mixed team compound archery partner Sheetal Devi, won a bronze at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

The duo of Kumar and Devi has been receiving plenty of love and plaudits ever since their appearance together in Paris. Though they have an age difference of almost two decades, Rakesh feels it did not matter much. He says it was rather 'the mix of youth and experience' that worked wonders for them as partners.

Rakesh Kumar was in a conversation with Sportskeeda on the sidelines of a recent felicitation ceremony for the triumphant para-athletes in Delhi.

"It is a proud feeling for me on an individual level but I also feel glad to share this moment with Sheetal. I feel we had a perfect blend of youth and experience which made us a formidable pair. She might be young but her talent is that of a prodigy," said Rakesh.

Kumar has been trying to live his dream of becoming a Paralympic medalist for some time now. Though he missed out four years back in Tokyo, the Jammu-born para-archer made sure he fulfils his ultimate dream in Paris.

"The one dream I had when I took up to Para-sports was that I want to be standing on the Paralympic podium and give the nation a reason to celebrate. It took me two attempts but I have done just that. But, it's not done yet. I want to now change the colour of the medal going forward," he said.

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"Goal is not to compete in LA; it is to better the color of this medal" - Rakesh Kumar has his sights set on 2028 Paralympics

Many would imagine that Rakesh Kumar would like to ride into the sunset after having won himself a Paralaympic bronze medal. However, that was never a thought in Kumar's mind. Instead, he wants to get to Los Angeles in 2028 and give it his all to change the color of his medal.

"With such youngsters coming up, who would have seen a 39-year-old athlete win a medal at such a big stage. That is what faith and belief in yourself brings you. I do not think too far ahead. But, the goal is not to compete in LA. It is to better the color of this medal," expressed Rakesh.

With the kind of determination and mindset that Rakesh Kumar possesses, no dream is unattainable for this star sporstman. India would be hoping to see him continue to ply his skills at the next Paralympic Games.