'I won this medal for my kids': Mona Agarwal Dedicates Paris Paralympics Bronze to Her Children

Mona Agarwal finished 3rd in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 final to claim the Bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This was Agarwal's first finish at the Paralympics podium. Upon winning the medal she expressed how daunting it was for her to attain the glory, however, kept the belief intact and in the end obtained the glory. The 37-year-old dedicated her medal to her "kids."

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Mona Agarwal Dedicates Her Medal to Her Kids

The 37-year-old Mona, who dabbled in several sports including shot-put, powerlifting and wheelchair volleyball before settling on shooting, notched up 228.7 for the third-place finish. Subsequently, she opened the medal account for India at the Paris Paralympics. After winning the Bronze medal, a much-relieved Mona stated that it was difficult for her as she did not possess ample international exposure yet she backed herself to win the medal and eventually made history in the biggest sporting extravaganza. She dedicated her most prized possession to her kids.

"It was difficult, I was very new, did not have a lot of international exposure. Still I was able to do it, I had the belief that I'll be able to win a medal. I won this medal for my kids, that's it."

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Rare Sight Took Place at Paris Paralympics

India got off to the mark at Paris Paralympics in a blazing fashion as not one but two Indian para-athletes got to the podium in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 category. India's Avani Lekhara made history by retaining her Tokyo Paralympics Gold medal. Along with Avani, Mona Agarwal secured the Bronze medal at the event.

The incredible Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medal with her victory in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event here on Friday as compatriot Mona Agarwal claimed a bronze. Winner of the Tokyo Paralympics gold three years back, Avani, 22, shot a superb 249.7 to erase her own record of 249.6 set in Japanese capital, while Mona, who took up shooting sport in 2022, notched up 228.7 for the bronze.

Avani, who is wheel-chair bound after a car mishap left her paralysed below the waist when she was 11-years-old, had became the first woman shooter from the country to win medals in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. SH1 category in shooting involves athletes who have movement affected in their arms, lower trunk, legs or have no limbs.

In the qualification, defending champion Avani shot 625.8 to be placed second behind Iryna Shchetnik, who broke the Paralympic qualification record with a score of 627.5.

Mona, the two-time World Cup gold medallist competing in her maiden Paralympics, shot 623.1 in the qualification and entered the final in fifth place.

Avani and Mona attaining a medal has emanated a rare sight for India at any sporting event let alone the Paris Paralympics. It always remains a big yearning for the fans to witness two Indians step onto the podium together and today with the long-awaited sight became a reality. Take a look at the goose-bumping spectacle when the Indian flag rose to the top.

(With inputs from PTI)