When Mona Agarwal clinched the bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 category at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, it was more than just a victory; it was the culmination of a journey marked by resilience, grit, and an unyielding spirit. Competing in her first Paralympics, Mona’s achievement not only brought pride to India but also highlighted the incredible story of a woman who defied all odds to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
Agarwal’s journey from a small village in Sikar, Rajasthan, to the podium at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in 1987, Mona was struck by polio when she was just nine months old, leading to a lifelong physical disability. But what could have been a crippling setback only fueled her determination to rise above her circumstances and etch her name in the annals of Indian sports history.
Mona’s early life was marred by societal challenges and personal struggles. Growing up in a conservative family, her birth was met with disappointment, as her parents had hoped for a boy after two daughters. The stigma against girls in her community meant that Mona’s education was cut short, and she was often made to feel like an unwanted child. Despite these hardships, her maternal grandmother, Geetha Devi, became her pillar of support, nurturing her with the love and encouragement she desperately needed.
After her marriage, Mona moved to Jaipur, where she faced further challenges. Her husband, Ravindra Chaudhary, a former wheelchair basketball player, suffered a severe brain injury in an accident and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Mona, now a mother of two—Avik and Aarvi—was determined to carve out a better future for her family. She dabbled in various sports, including volleyball, before finally finding her true calling in shooting in December 2021.
Mona’s foray into para shooting was nothing short of remarkable. Within a few months of taking up the sport, she displayed exceptional talent and dedication, quickly rising through the ranks. Her first major breakthrough came in 2023 when she made her international debut at the World Cup in Osijek, Croatia. Competing in the mixed team event, she clinched a bronze medal, announcing her arrival on the global stage.
But it was in 2024 that Mona truly made her mark. Competing in the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in New Delhi, she not only won the gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 category but also secured a quota place for India at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. This victory was followed by another gold medal at the Para World Cup in Changwon, Korea, further establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para shooting.
The 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris was a momentous occasion for Mona. Competing against the world’s best, she held her nerve and showcased her exceptional skills to win two bronze medals in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 category. Her achievement was not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Indian para sports, inspiring countless others to dream big and strive for excellence.
Mona’s success at the Paralympics was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and unyielding spirit. It was a testament to her ability to overcome adversity and her unwavering commitment to her sport. Her journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the Paralympic podium is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up.
Mona Agarwal’s journey is an inspiration to many. Her story is not just about winning medals but also about breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and proving that disability is not an impediment to success. As a mother of two, she juggles her responsibilities at home with her demanding training schedule, exemplifying the strength and resilience of women in sports.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. The Indian government, recognizing her potential, has provided financial assistance for her training and competition under the Khelo India scheme. Mona trains at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, where she continues to hone her skills, with her eyes set on future championships.
