The Indian Paralympic archer Rakesh Kumar has made a name for himself all over the world in para archery. It is indeed an interesting journey that tells us how he went from going through a life changing accident to being regarded as the best compound archer in India among people with disabilities. Let us now take a look into this man’s life, who against all odds became a representative for India on international level.
Quick Facts of Rakesh Kumar
| Full Name | Rakesh Kumar |
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Paralympic Archer |
| Sport | Archery (Compound Bow) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg (158 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 40 inches; Waist: 32 inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Disability | Spinal Cord Injury (Falling from Tree) |
| Major Achievements | – Represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics – Multiple medals in national and international archery events |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Unknwon |
| Children | Not found |
| Hobbies and Interests | Practicing archery, spending time with family |
| Training Base | Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Affiliations | Paralympic Committee of India, Archery Association of India |
| Coach | Mr. Kuldeep Vedwan |
| Languages | Hindi, English |
| Future Aspirations | Winning a Paralympic medal, promoting archery among disabled athletes |
| Social Media Accounts | nstagram: @RakeshKumarArcher Twitter: @RakeshKumarArcher Facebook: Rakesh Kumar |
Early Life and Childhood
He was born on January 13, 1985, in Behbalpur, Hisar, Haryana, India. Rakesh Kumar’s journey to becoming a Paralympic archery champion is a testament to human resilience. As he growing up in Hissar, Haryana, young Rakesh was known for his adventurous spirit and love for outdoor activities.
Family and Education
Rakesh Kumar comes from a supportive family in Hisar, Haryana. Firstly, he completed his early education at a local gurukul, where he developed an interest in gurukul athletics. This early exposure to physical activities would later prove crucial in his journey as a para-athlete.
How did Rakesh Injured and Paralyzed?
In 2007, at the age of 22, Rakesh Kumar’s life changed dramatically when he fell from a tree, resulting in lower body paralysis. This accident left him wheelchair-bound, but Rakesh Kumar overcomes this setback with extraordinary determination.
During his rehabilitation, Rakesh was introduced to para-archery. The sport quickly captured his interest, offering a new avenue to channel his energy. With support from the Archery Association of India and the Sports Authority of India, Rakesh began his journey in Paralympic archery.
You may also read: Kapil Parmar: The Inspiring Journey of India’s Paralympic Judo Champion
Professional Career of Archer Rakesh Kumar:
Rakesh Kumar’s archery career took off rapidly once he committed to the sport. Although his natural talent in compound archery, combined with rigorous training, soon made him a formidable competitor in para-archery competitions.
Key milestones in his early career include:
- 2010: Began formal training in para-archery in Rohtak
- 2013: First national-level competition organized by the Archery Association of India
- 2015: International debut at the Asian Para Archery Championships
Rise to International Success
When Mr. Rakesh Kumar storms through the ranks in the world of para-archery. His precision in open compound archery quickly established him as one of the India’s top para-archers. Some of his notable international performances asre as follows:
- 2018: Gold medal at the Para Asian Games in Jakarta
- 2019: Bronze medal at the World Archery Para Championships in the Netherlands
- 2021: Gold medal at the Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament in Dubai
Paralympic Journey
The pinnacle of Rakesh Kumar’s career came with his qualification and participation in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. At Tokyo, Rakesh showcased his skills on the biggest stage of para-sports:
- Qualified for the Men’s Individual Compound Open event.
- Reached the quarterfinals, finishing 5th overall.
- Set a Paralympic record in the ranking round with a score of 699 out of a possible 720.
Technique and Equipment
Rakesh competes in the compound bow category, which requires immense upper body strength and precision. And his technique is characterized by as down below:
- Exceptional stability and balance, crucial for wheelchair archers.
- Precise aim and release, often hitting the bullseye consistently.
- Mental fortitude to perform under pressure.
As for equipment, Rakesh uses a state-of-the-art compound bow, customized to suit his specific needs as a para-archer. The World Archery Federation recognizes him as one of the top compound archers in the para-archery category.
Training Regimen of Rakesh:
Rakesh’s success is built on a foundation of rigorous training and unwavering dedication. His typical training routine includes:
- Daily archery practice sessions, often lasting 6-8 hours.
- Strength and conditioning exercises focused on upper body and core.
- Mental preparation and visualization techniques.
- Regular participation in national camps organized by the Archery Association of India in various locations including Gandhinagar, Rajasthan, and Odisha.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Rakesh Kumar has amassed an impressive collection of accolades:
- Gold medal at the 2018 Para Asian Games.
- Bronze medal at the 2019 World Archery Para Championships.
- Gold medal at the 2021 Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament.
- Paralympic record holder in the ranking round (Tokyo 2020).
- Arjuna Award recipient (2022) for outstanding performance in sports.
Personal Life and Interests of Rakesh Kumar
Beyond the archery range, Rakesh is known for his humble nature and dedication to promoting para-sports. He frequently visits rehabilitation centers and sports academies in places like Solapur, Maharashtra and Kolhapur, Maharashtra to share his experiences and inspire the next generation of para-athletes.
In his free time, Rakesh enjoys:
- Mentoring young archers.
- Advocating for accessibility and rights of people with disabilities.
- Following other sports, particularly badminton and javelin.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Rakesh Kumar’s compelling story from an accident that changed his life to being a Paralympic champion in archery epitomizes resilience and determination. At present Rakesh desires not only personal fame but also:
- To encourage more people to participate in para-archery in India.
- To communicate his expertise to the young Indian para-athletes.
- To improve upon existing infrastructure necessary for paralympic sports in India.
- To aim for victory in gold medal competition at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Through his achievements and advocacy, Rakesh Kumar is not just winning medals; he’s changing perceptions and opening doors for countless others to follow in his footsteps.
As IndusInd Bank, one of his sponsors, notes, “Rakesh Kumar’s story is one of grit, determination and the will to succeed against all odds.” His journey continues to inspire and push the boundaries of what’s possible in para-sports.
FAQs
Who is Rakesh Kumar and what is his background in para-archery?
Rakesh Kumar is one of the most famous Paralympian archers in India who have beaconed the country in international para-archery events. He started practicing archery after an unfortunate event in which he sustained a spinal cord injury which made him a quadriplegic and he is one of the best para-archers globally.
What are some of the major achievements of Rakesh Kumar in para-archery?
Kumar has a decorated record as a wheelchair basketball player and over the years he has been able to accomplish several feats, which include winning medals at the Asian Para Games besides being able to represent India at the Paralympic Games. He has been performing well socially as a para-archer and has always been among the best para-archers in the world and this has made many admire him.
How did Rakesh Kumar overcome his challenges to become a successful para-archer?
With rough physical and emotional experiences after his accident Rakesh Kumar proves that our determination, hard work, and support of our families and coaches make incredible results possible. He focused himself on this activity which is archery and got something to do in life and an area where he could achieve.
What equipment does Rakesh Kumar use in para-archery competitions?
Rakesh Kumar has adapted and employs para-archery equipment which include a compound bow largely used among para-archery competitors. His sports equipments used in the competitions are fit to his disability and his disability to improve on excellence in competitions.
