Paris: Harvinder Singh, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, has now created history at the Paris Paralympics by winning India’s first-ever gold in archery at the Paralympics. On Wednesday, Harvinder defeated Poland’s Lukasz Cijek 6-0 in the final of the men’s recurve open event, making the nation proud.
A Journey Filled with Challenges
Harvinder Singh hails from a small farmer family in Ajit Nagar, Haryana. His life took a tough turn when he was just one and a half years old. He contracted dengue and was given injections to treat it. Sadly, these injections had severe side effects, causing him to lose mobility in his legs. But Harvinder didn’t let this setback stop him. He discovered his passion for archery and began his journey in the sport.
Rising Through the Ranks
Harvinder’s hard work and determination paid off when he participated in the 2017 Para Archery World Championships, where he finished in seventh place. This marked the beginning of his rise in the archery world. The following year, he won a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games, further solidifying his place as a top archer.
Training During Tough Times
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone into lockdown, Harvinder’s training faced a big challenge. But his father, showing immense support, turned their farm into an archery range so that Harvinder could continue practising. This dedication led Harvinder to win a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, making him the first Indian archer to achieve this feat.
A Dominant Performance in Paris
Harvinder’s journey to gold in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. In the semi-finals, he defeated Iran’s Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri 7-3, securing his place in the final. In the final match against Lukasz Cijek, Harvinder showed his skill and precision. He started strong, scoring nine points in the first set, and continued to dominate the match. His consistent performance, with shots of 10 and nine points, led him to win the gold with a final score of 29-25.
A Bright Future Ahead
Harvinder Singh’s achievement in Paris is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Along with his success in archery, Harvinder is also pursuing a PhD in economics, showing that he is dedicated not only to his sport but also to his education. His journey is an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.
