Election Commission Honors Paralympic Archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar as National Icons
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Felicitation ceremony at Nirvachan Sadan by the Election Commission of India (ECI) |
| Key Figures | - Shri Rajiv Kumar (Chief Election Commissioner) - Shri Gyanesh Kumar (Election Commissioner) - Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (Election Commissioner) |
| Honored Athletes | - Ms. Sheetal Devi - Shri Rakesh Kumar |
| Achievement | Bronze Medal in Archery, Paris Summer Paralympics 2024 |
| Appointments | - Ms. Sheetal Devi: Reaffirmed as ECI National Icon for PwDs - Shri Rakesh Kumar: Appointed as ECI National Icon for PwDs |
| Ms. Sheetal Devi's Achievements | - Youngest Paralympic medallist in India at 17 - Gold Medals in Individual and Mixed Team events, Asian Para Games 2023 - Silver Medal, World Archery Para Championship 2023 - Multiple accolades, Asian Para Championship |
| Shri Rakesh Kumar's Achievements | - Represented India in Archery, Paris Paralympics 2024 and Tokyo Paralympics 2021 - Gold Medal in Mixed Team Event, World Archery Para Championship 2023 - Gold and Silver Medals, Asian Para Games 2022-23 |
| ECI's Vision | - Promote accessible and inclusive elections - Encourage youth and PwDs to participate in democracy |
| Upcoming Focus | - Enhance voter participation in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections |
| Key Statements | - CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar: Disability as an opportunity for developing additional strengths; Ms. Sheetal Devi's inspiration for youth and PwDs - EC Shri Gyanesh Kumar: Paralympians' journey inspires PwDs; their role as icons encourages voter participation - EC Dr. S.S. Sandhu: Champions' dedication and determination; their role as role models for youth and PwDs |