Paris: Harvinder Singh wins historic gold at Paralympics

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Paris [France], September 4 (ANI): Para-archer Harvinder Singh secured a historic gold medal for the country at the ongoing Paris Paralympics on Wednesday, Sept. 4, becoming the first-ever Indian to have won a medal in the sport across both the Olympics and Paralympics.

In the gold medal clash of the individual recurve para-archery against Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek, Harvinder won 6-0.

He also secured a medal in two successive Paralympics, having won a bronze medal in the recurve para-archery at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020.

The President of India tweeted her appreciation saying, “My heartiest congratulations to Harvinder Singh on winning gold medal in men’s individual recurve para archery event at Paris 2024 Paralympics. This is Harvinder’s second medal at consecutive Paralympics and first ever gold medal in para archery for India. His exceptional performance under tremendous pressure is inspirational. I wish he brings more glory to the tricolour.”

Posting a picture of Harvinder Singh with a team mate,Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “A very special Gold in Para Archery! Congratulations to Harvinder Singh for winning the Gold medal in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open at the #Paralympics2024! His precision, focus and unwavering spirit are outstanding. India is very happy with his accomplishment. #Cheer4Bharat”

The Indian contingent has now added 22 medals to its growing tally (four gold, eight silver, and ten bronze) and will have an opportunity to further extend its record medal haul in a single edition of the Paralympics.

India is ranked 15th in the medal tally and with more days left, they have a chance to add plenty more.

In the Tokyo edition (August 24 – September 5, 2021), India recorded its best-ever medal haul with a tally of 19, including five gold, eight silver and six bronze medals.

Para-athlete Sachin Khilari on Wednesday clinched the silver medal in the men’s shot put F46 final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Sachin secured the second spot with a 16.32-metre throw, which is also the area best (AB). However, the Indian athlete was unlucky to miss the top spot after getting short of a 0.6m.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Indian contingent won 13 medals for the country, jumping the medal tally to a record 20 consisting of three gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.