Rakesh Kumar Honored with Arjuna Award for Archery Excellence

Joy and pride marked the face of India’s para-archer Rakesh Kumar after winning the prestigious Arjuna Award at the National Sports Awards 2025. Two separate medals he garnered along with Sheetal Devi at the mixed team compound event at the Paris Paralympics last year qualified him for this year’s honor.

“I am very happy that my hard work of eight years has paid off. Receiving this award from our President is a moment of great pride for me,” Kumar said in an interview with ANI.

The Indian duo had clinched a thrilling victory over Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina to claim their medal, further cementing their position as top para-archers on the global stage.

Para-shooter Mona Agarwal also celebrated her Arjuna Award, which she deemed a recognition of her dedication and success. Agarwal’s bronze medal win at the Paris Paralympics in the women’s 10m air rifle final highlighted her incredible journey.

I’m extremely happy. We are observing this government-level recognition like any festival. Such an honor urges me to continue working harder so that I’ll be ready in 2026 for the Asian Games,” shared Agarwal.

In the same event, reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara added one more gold to her name when India continued with its dominance at para-shooting.

Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award Highlight India’s Sporting Ability

The National Sports Awards 2025 has also felicitated several prominent sportspersons for their exceptional contributions. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Indian men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar were presented with the prestigious Khel Ratna.

The Arjuna Awards feted a slew of talented sportspersons, including hockey players Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and women’s hockey captain Salima Tete. Chess grandmaster Vantika Agrawal and athlete Jyothi Yarraji also received awards for excellence.

In para-athletics, Preeti Pal, Jeevanji Deepthi, Ajeet Singh, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, and Dharambir were given the Arjuna Awards. Para-shooters Mona Agarwal, Rubina Francis, Swapnil Suresh Kusale, and Sarabjot Singh were also among the awardees.

India Celebrates Sporting Excellence

The National Sports Awards 2025 marked India’s increasing stature in world sports by rewarding established heroes, alongside new heroes, and underscores such shining prospects. As these heroes continue to inspire the nation, their successes become a stepping stone to an even better Indian sports future.