Mona Agarwal made history at the 2024 Paralympics by securing a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event on August 30. Her journey to the podium was not just about athletic excellence but also a testament to her resilience as a mother of two. Challenges, she faced leading up to the competition, particularly the struggle of balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her ambitions as an athlete.
Mona’s bronze medal
Mona’s bronze medal win was a significant achievement, especially given the circumstances. She was in contention for the gold until the final round, where a slight misstep cost her the top spot. On the other hand, Avani Lekhara clinched the gold medal in the same category as that of Mona, which only extended the glory of India on Day 2 of Paralympics.
Who is Mona Agrawal?
- She is born in Rajasthan and living with polio from an early age, para-shooter Mona Agarwal is celebrated for her determination.
- She made her international debut at the World Cup in Osijek, Croatia, in July 2023. Agarwal won gold at the Para World Cup in Changwon, Korea, in April 2024.
- For the Paris Paralympics, she secured her quota place by winning gold at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in New Delhi in March 2024.
- Now in the limelight alongside Avani Lekhara, this is Agarwal’s debut Paralympics, and she has already made a significant impact.
About her training and disability
Training Base: Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi / Eklavya Sports Academy
Disability Class: SH1 (For Rifle- lower limb impairment e.g. amputations or paraplegia but with the ability to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position).
Her struggle
The story of Mona Agarwal is one of grit and determination-her leaving home at the tender age of 23 to live a life independent of shackles, excelling in HR and marketing despite enormous physical challenges. In 2016, she shifted her focus to para athletics.
Her Achievements
she started competing in state-level throw events, winning gold medals in all three categories. She has also participated in state-level para powerlifting in multiple categories.
Mona’s performance in 2024 Paralympics
Mona Agarwal’s remarkable achievements include a bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 at the Paris Paralympics 2024. She also secured gold at the New Delhi WSPS World Cup 2024 in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 event, setting a new Asian record with a score of 250.7, along with a silver medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team SH1 event. In 2023, she won gold at the Changwon WSPS World Cup in Korea in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 category and claimed a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the Osijek WSPS World Cup.
