Paris: Harvinder Singh has etched his name in history by securing India’s first-ever gold medal in archery at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Displaying remarkable composure and skill, Harvinder triumphed over Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek with a dominant 6-0 victory in the men’s individual recurve open final, marking a historic achievement for India.
Harvinder’s path to gold was nothing short of extraordinary. On Day 7 of the Paralympics, the 33-year-old archer from Haryana delivered five consecutive wins, showcasing his exceptional talent. Earlier in the day, he overcame a 1-3 deficit to win his semi-final clash against Iran’s Mohammad Reza Arab Ameri by 7-3, becoming the first Indian archer—across both the Olympics and Paralympics—to reach the final.
In his journey to the final, Harvinder displayed unwavering determination, defeating Colombia’s Hector Julio Ramirez in the quarter-finals, Indonesia’s Setiawan Setiawan in the round of 16, and Chinese Taipei’s Tseng Lung-Hui in the round of 32. His historic victory in the final was marked by precision, with Harvinder delivering four perfect 10s and five near-perfect 9s across three sets, securing a decisive win against Ciszek.
This gold medal adds to Harvinder’s growing legacy, following his bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he became the first Indian Paralympian to secure a medal in archery. His achievement in Paris transforms his previous bronze into gold, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in Indian archery.
India’s triumph in archery at the Paris Paralympics comes on the heels of another significant achievement just days earlier when Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar won a bronze medal in the mixed compound event. Harvinder’s gold medal marks India’s fourth gold and 22nd overall medal at the Paris Paralympics, propelling the nation to the 15th position on the medal table. With record-breaking performances across various disciplines, India is on track for its best-ever finish in Paralympic history, with the potential for a top-20 placement.
As Harvinder Singh returns home with his historic gold, his victory is not only a personal triumph but a monumental moment for Indian sports, inspiring future generations of archers and athletes across the nation.