From polio and prejudice to Paralympic glory: Mona Agarwal’s remarkable journey

PTC News Desk: As a child, Mona Agarwal faced derision and scorn from relatives and elders due to her status as the third daughter in her family and her battle with polio, which affected both of her legs. Despite these early challenges, she remained undeterred.

Mona Agarwal’s perseverance and dedication have culminated in a remarkable achievement. On Friday, the 37-year-old mother of two won a bronze medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. This victory marks her as the second Indian to reach the podium in this event, following Avani Lekhara, who defended her gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Reflecting on her triumph, Mona’s husband, Ravindra Chaudhary, recalled the difficult times when Mona was subjected to ridicule for being the family’s third girl child and her polio condition. “When Mona was born, people viewed the birth of a girl child as a setback, compounded by her polio,” Chaudhary said. “But Mona’s strength and determination eventually overcame those prejudices. Her Paralympic bronze is a testament to her resilience and a message that girls like her can become role models for society and the sporting community.”

Growing up in Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona Agarwal’s early aspirations were shaped by her desire to pursue sports. Her father, who ran a hardware store, supported her ambitions. Initially competing in para-athletics events such as shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw at the state level in Jaipur, she transitioned to para-weightlifting, securing a state title in the 60 kg category after her marriage in 2017.

It was only towards the end of 2021 that Mona began focusing on shooting. “Before our marriage in 2017, Mona trained in athletics independently in Jaipur. She wanted to be self-reliant, and para sports seemed to be the way for her,” Chaudhary noted. “I supported her fully in pursuing her dreams.”

At the Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy in Jaipur, under the guidance of coach Yogesh Shekhawat, Mona began her journey in shooting. Despite initially training with Shekhawat’s rifle, her talent quickly became evident due to her precise target judgment and steady posture. “Rifle shooting suited her better than pistol shooting, as she could balance the rifle with both hands. Her strength from para-weightlifting also helped her manage the rifle effectively,” Shekhawat explained.

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Financial constraints, including the cost of her first rifle, were significant challenges. Mona and her husband saved diligently to afford the over four lakh INR expense for the rifle, which she purchased in 2022. “Mona’s dedication was unwavering despite these challenges. She was determined to excel, never letting doubts or financial issues deter her,” Chaudhary added.

Mona’s success continued with a gold medal at the Para Shooting World Cup in New Delhi in 2023, which earned her a place in the Paris Paralympics. She also achieved a silver medal in the mixed team air rifle standing (SH1) event with Aadithya Giri in Delhi and another gold in the World Cup in Korea.

Chief national coach JP Nautiyal highlighted the technical aspects of Mona’s training, focusing on balancing her posture and adjusting her rifle for optimal performance. “Mona’s ability to focus on one shot at a time and the fine-tuning of her equipment were crucial to her success,” Nautiyal said.

Back in Jaipur, Mona’s children, five-year-old Aarvi and three-year-old Avik, eagerly await her return with the medal. “Avik was just a baby when Mona started shooting,” Chaudhary said. “The kids always celebrate her victories by wearing the medals, and this time will be no different.”

Mona Agarwal’s journey from being mocked as a girl child with polio to becoming a Paralympic medallist is a profound testament to her indomitable spirit and dedication.

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