Harvinder Singh Achieves Historic Gold for India at Paris 2024 Paralympics
In a remarkable achievement for Indian sports, Harvinder Singh has etched his name in history by securing the inaugural Gold medal for India in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The accomplished 33-year-old athlete distinguished himself in the recurve men’s competition, decisively defeating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek in the final held at the prestigious venue.
Following his win, Singh expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent India on the global stage, stating, “It feels fantastic. I’m just blessed to achieve this Gold for India.” This victory marks a significant milestone in his career, as he previously won a Bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which was India’s first-ever medal in archery at either the Olympics or Paralympics.
Reflecting on his performance, Singh remarked, “Yes! In Tokyo, I won Bronze, so I’m happy I could change the color of my medal.” He showcased exceptional skill and consistency throughout the event, having lost no more than three points in each of his four matches.
Despite a challenging ranking round where he seeded ninth, Singh remained resilient and focused on his performance, stating, “I focused on every arrow. Only the next arrow counts.” He had entered the Games with strong practice sessions, but the rankings had dampened the initial expectations. “Archery is a game of unexpected. Everything can happen,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and a positive mindset.
In the decisive final match, Singh delivered an impressive performance, scoring 28, 28, and 29 to secure victory in three sets. He reflected on the moment of triumph, saying, “I just thought ‘I have done it for India!'” Moreover, he dedicated his victory to the memory of his late mother, who passed away in 2018, prior to the Asian Para Games in Indonesia. “I could imagine how happy she would be if she could have been here. When I reach medals, she is always on my mind,” he added poignantly.
The medal podium in Paris concluded with Lukasz Ciszek of Poland taking home the Silver, marking his first Paralympic medal, while Iran’s Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri secured the Bronze by defeating Australia’s Taymon Kenton-Smith. As the competitive events in Paris come to a close, Singh’s victory stands as a testament to his dedication and the spirit of Indian archery on the world stage.
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