Visually impaired archer to represent India at para world championship

Pawan Kumar, a differently abled archer from J&K, is set to take part in the Para World Archery Championship-2025 scheduled from September 20 to 29 in Gwangju, Republic of Korea.

To facilitate his participation in the championship, the Shrine Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has extended financial assistance of Rs 7 lakh. Pawan is a sportsperson from the SMVD Sports Complex, Katra.

An official spokesperson of the board said, “The selected athlete, trained under the shrine board’s sports initiative, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline and determination in the field of archery. Despite visual impairment, the archer has overcome formidable challenges to rise through the ranks and earn a coveted spot in the national para archery team. This selection marks a historic milestone for the shrine board and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, placing the region on the global map of para sports.”

Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering excellence in sports. He said that the shrine board’s sports complex has already produced two outstanding Arjuna Awardees para archers Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi, who have earned national and international acclaim through their remarkable performances.

“Now, the selection of Pawan Kumar to represent India at the Para World Archery Championship in South Korea stands as a shining testament to the athlete’s determination, coaching and the institutional support extended by the board,” the CEO said.

The SMVD sports complex is currently nurturing the talent of over 150 aspiring athletes across various sports disciplines, who have been delivering promising results in national and international competitions.

The SMVDSB archery academy, which is part of the complex, has earned accreditation under the Khelo India programme of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in recognition of its excellence in promoting sports development and nurturing young talent.