Mona Agarwal scripted history at the Paralympics 2024 by winning India’s first medal in shooting on August 30, Friday. Mona bagged a bronze medal at women's 10m air rifle standing SH1. Mona ended with a final score of 228.7 and lost to Yunri Lee. Moments later, it was a double celebration for India as Avani Lekhara won gold in the same event.
There was a time when I struggled a lot because my husband met with an accident: Mona Agarwal
During an exclusive interaction with Sports Tak, Mona shared her thoughts after she brought glory to the nation. Mona stated that it was tough for her to manage her motherhood and sports after hardships. She particularly talked about when her husband met with an accident that disheartened her but she didn’t lose hope as she wanted to do well in sports for her kids.
“It wasn’t easy for me being the mother of two kids, there was a time when I struggled a lot because my husband met with an accident but I didn’t lose hope. I wanted to do well in sports to take care of my kids. I am happy that have won a medal for the nation” said Mona to Sports Tak.
Talking about her performance, Mona qualified for the final on fifth spot with a score of 623.1. She then showed grit, determination, and passion in the final. She was the one looking down and out trailing behind all the para shooters standing at eighth. She then made a tremendous comeback going strides further, At once it looked like it would be an All India shootout for Gold but she then hit a 10 while Korea’s Lee Yunri hit a 10.6 to go past her. Mona finished with 228.7.SH1 category in shooting involves athletes who have movement affected in their arms, lower trunk, and legs or have no limbs.
Mona also revealed how important the medal was for her and her family due to the financial crisis they were suffering from.
“Medal is very important as when we participate it an event and we keep hope that we win the medal. I have worked wholeheartedly for the medal. Leaving my kids at home I have practiced here for five months. When I played national in shooting for first time my son was 6 years old. I have missed their childhood, and after getting past through many challenges, hurdles, and financial crises when I reached at this moment (medal win) and the I have my achievement in my hand. This is the most happening and proud moment of my life,” told the 37-year-old.
She also talked about the struggles and hurdles in striking a balance between her career and motherhood.
“It was very challenging because when my son was born after two months my husband faced an accident and he was also physically challenged and after accident he had to suffer a brain injury. His neuro treatment is still going now. So it was a do or die situation for me . And I knew if I wanted to do something for my kids individually I had to put my life on stakes and I believe that was the reason I could do it because I had the spirit of shaping a brighter future for my kids. I wanted to be an ideal mother for my kids and that is reason I achieved this success in such a short time,” added Mona.
She also talked about the double treat for Indian fans when two para shooters had a podium finish in the Paralympics 2024.
“It's biggest achievement for our country that in Paralympics we both won in the same event, both had a podium finish. We both belong from the same state and the same city . So not just for Rajasthan, for Jaipur but for our country and for everyone, this is a very proud moment,” added Agarwal.
Talking about her game and success she achieved in short time she said:
“I started my career in shooting in 2016 but I was part of other sports since 2016. I had the game sprit inside me and I believe that was the reason I was able to achieve this success in such a short time. shooting is a technical game , with all the technicalities I was able to learn it and keep myself stable with it. It is a pleasing moment for me”.
Mona talked about her grandmother’s advice in childhood that stayed with her for a long time acting as a motivation.
“In my childhood my grandmother did my training when I was physically challenged, grandmother taught me to be mentally strong. She always told me if you can't do certain things like normal people find a way you can do it like you want but you have to work. She taught me how to overcome every challenge at will. I taught me that nothing is impossible in life. The training is the reason that I don't give up and if I feel I fight and work hard nothing can stop me from successing,” said Mona to Sportstak.
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Mona’s message for fans in India
“I just want to say that now things and mentality of people have changed but When I took the initiative to leave my home because I didn't got the permission to take decisions for my career individually. Don't discourage the girls, they will make you proud and get immense succes. Don't let disability take over you as disability is just in your mind. If you make your mind able your physical disability won't stand anywhere. Being a woman being a mother all I want to say is there is no age and no hurdle in achieving success. You kids and your family will be a strength for you and not a hurdle in stopping you from your dreams”.
Mona Agarwal's career highlights
She has a gold at the New Delhi WSPS World Cup 2024 in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 event, setting a new Asian record with a score of 250.7 along with a silver medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team SH1 event to her name . In 2023, she bagged gold at the Changwon WSPS World Cup in Korea in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 category and claimed a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event at the Osijek WSPS World Cup. She is also a government secretariat in Jaipur.
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