Harvinder Singh etched his name in the history books by securing India’s first-ever gold medal in para archery at the Paris Paralympics. In a dominant performance, he defeated Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 (28-24, 28-27, 29-25) in the men’s individual recurve open final, adding to his bronze medal from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This marked his second consecutive medal at the Paralympic Games, solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of para archery.
Harvinder’s journey to the podium has been marked by resilience and determination. He overcame adversity to achieve his dreams, having contracted dengue as a child which led to complications with his legs. His introduction to archery was a chance encounter in 2010, and witnessing the London Paralympics in 2012 inspired him to pursue the sport. His dedication and hard work paid off, leading to a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, a feat he achieved just 20 days after his mother’s passing.
In Paris, Harvinder’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He showcased incredible composure and skill, coming from behind to beat Iran’s Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri in the semifinals and securing his place in the final. His victory not only brought him personal glory but also cemented India’s position as a force to be reckoned with in para archery.
India’s medal haul at the Paris Paralympics has been phenomenal, with Harvinder’s gold medal pushing the nation’s total to 22 medals – four gold, eight silver, and 10 bronze. This surpasses their previous best performance at a single edition of the Paralympics, which was 19 medals in Tokyo. Harvinder’s accomplishment serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and the indomitable spirit of the Indian Paralympic team.
