Harvinder Singh Strikes Gold In Archery, Making History at Paris Paralympics

Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh has etched his name in history by clinching India’s first-ever gold medal in archery at the Paralympic Games. Competing in the men’s individual recurve open final, Harvinder delivered a flawless performance, defeating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 to bring home the coveted gold at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris.

The 33-year-old, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics, demonstrated remarkable focus and endurance throughout the competition. Harvinder’s journey to the gold was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing his resilience and skill as he secured five consecutive victories in a single day. This gold medal adds to his growing list of achievements, following a bronze medal win at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he narrowly missed a spot in the final.

In the final showdown against Ciszek, Harvinder was in a league of his own. He nailed three perfect 10s in his last four arrows, leading to a commanding 6-0 victory (28-24, 28-27, 29-25). This stunning performance secured India’s second archery medal at the Paris Paralympics and marked a significant milestone for the nation in the sport.

Earlier in the day, Harvinder faced Iran’s Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri in a tense semi-final match. Despite losing the first set 25-26 and tying the second 27-27, Harvinder remained composed. He bounced back with a series of impressive shots, winning the next two sets (27-25, 26-24) to advance to the final, becoming the first Indian archer to do so at the Paralympics.

This victory is not just a personal triumph for Harvinder but also a moment of pride for India, as it brings the country’s total medal tally to 22 at the Paris Paralympics, including four golds. India has already surpassed its previous best of 19 medals, achieved in the Tokyo Paralympics.

Harvinder’s journey to this historic win is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Hailing from a farming family in Ajit Nagar, Haryana, Harvinder faced significant challenges early in life. At just one and a half years old, he contracted dengue, which led to complications from treatment that left both his legs impaired. However, Harvinder found his passion in archery after being inspired by the 2012 London Paralympics.

His rise in the sport has been meteoric. Harvinder made his international debut at the 2017 Para Archery World Championship, where he finished seventh. A year later, he struck gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Harvinder’s father turned their farm into an archery range, allowing him to continue training. His dedication paid off when he won India’s first archery medal — a bronze — at the Tokyo Paralympics.

In the recurve open class, where archers shoot from a distance of 70 meters at a target with 10 concentric circles, Harvinder’s precision and skill were unmatched. The competition was fierce, but Harvinder’s unyielding focus and determination carried him to victory, solidifying his status as one of India’s most celebrated para-athletes.

As Harvinder proudly waved the Indian flag after his historic win, it was clear that this gold medal is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in archery. His achievement not only brings glory to the nation but also serves as an inspiration to millions, proving that with determination and hard work, no obstacle is too great to overcome.