Indian Para archer Rakesh Kumar made the nation proud by clinching a gold medal at the 8th Fazza Para-Archery World Ranking Tournament in Dubai. This achievement came less than six months before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Rakesh Kumar clinch Gold

Rakesh Kumar triumphed over Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang in the Compound Men Open Individual event with a score of 147-143. After being tied at 59 after the second set, Rakesh shot two 10s and an X to take a three-point lead.

Expressing his joy, Rakesh said, “I am very happy to get the gold medal here in Dubai. On the shooting line, I just listened to my coach and followed the same process I did in training”. He also shared his short-term goal of performing well in the Asia Cup in Bangkok and his long-term goal of excelling at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

In addition to the gold, Rakesh, along with Sheetal Devi, secured a bronze medal in the Compound Open Mixed Team event by defeating the Republic of Korea with a score of 155-152.

In the Recurve Women’s Open, Pooja Jatyan, the 2022 World Championships silver medallist, settled for the silver after losing to Italy’s Elisabetta Mijno 6-0. Down 0-4, Jatyan faltered in the last set managing only 4 and 5 in the last two arrows.

This tournament saw the participation of 232 players from 56 nations, making it a significant event in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Rakesh’s victory is a testament to his skill and determination, and it bodes well for his performance in the upcoming Paralympics.

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