Heartwarming Moment: CM Yogi Acknowledges Sumedha Pathak's Grit with Generous Reward
- In English 27 Jan 2024 3:18 PM IST
In a heartening ceremony held...
In a heartening ceremony held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, honored para air pistol shooter Sumedha Pathak for her exceptional performance in the 19th Asian and 4th Para Asian Games 2022.
Deputy CM Maurya, acknowledging Sumedha's prowess displayed in the 2022 Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, presented her with a substantial incentive of Rs 5 lakh. The emotional moment unfolded as Sumedha, hailing from Manas Nagar, Varanasi, received recognition for her dedication to the sport despite facing physical challenges.
Sumedha's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Afflicted by a spine infection in 2013, she lost mobility below the waist. Undeterred, Sumedha's father Brijesh Chandra Pathak became her guiding force, teaching her to embrace life anew. Recalling those challenging times, Sumedha expressed that it felt like life had lost all meaning, but her father's encouragement changed everything.
In 2016, she emerged as the national topper in the CBSE disabled category for commerce in Intermediate, a remarkable feat achieved from her wheelchair. Her father's efforts didn't stop there; he built a 12-meter shooting range at home, enabling Sumedha to practice and showcase her talents in State and National Championships.
The prize distribution ceremony saw 189 outstanding players from Uttar Pradesh being recognized for their achievements in the Asian and Para Asian Games. The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, distributed a total of Rs 62 crore in prize money, emphasizing their commitment to supporting and nurturing talent in sports.
Sumedha's story serves as an inspiration, not just for her sporting achievements, but for her resilience in the face of adversity. The recognition and support provided by the government reflect a collective effort to empower and celebrate the triumphs of athletes who overcome obstacles to shine on the international stage.
