Meet Mona Agarwal, the polio-stricken athlete and mother of two who won shooting bronze at Paralympics

Mona Agarwal was the first medal winner for India at the Paris Paralympics 2024 when she won the bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 on Friday. Avani Lekhara later went on to clinch gold in the same event as India won its first medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

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While this was Avani’s second gold medal after she created history at the Tokyo Games three years back, Mona is taking part in her first Paralympics and her story is that of unwavering resolve to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Who is Mona Agarwal?

Mona Agarwal’s extraordinary para shooting journey only began in December 2021. Within a short span of time, she has made a significant impact, earning her first World Cup gold medal in 2024, along with an Asian record and a Paralympic medal.

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Born and raised in Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona’s life took a challenging turn when she contracted the polio virus just nine months after birth, affecting both her lower limbs. Despite these obstacles, she pursued her education, completing a degree in arts and currently pursuing a master’s in psychology through LPU’s distance learning program.

Mona’s journey is one of grit and determination. At just 23, she left home to build an independent life, excelling in HR and marketing roles despite numerous physical challenges. In 2016, she shifted her focus to para athletics, making her state debut in throw events and winning gold in all three categories. She also competed in state-level para powerlifting, earning multiple medals.

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In addition to her athletic pursuits, Mona is a pioneer in sitting volleyball for women in India. As the captain, she led the Rajasthan state team to gold in the first National Sitting Volleyball Championship for women in 2019. Although selected for an international tournament, she couldn’t participate due to her pregnancy. She is a mother of two children.

In December 2021, Mona decided to pursue an individual sport and chose rifle shooting. Her talent was evident from the start, winning a national silver medal in 2022. By mid of 2023, she had already claimed a bronze medal in the mixed team event at her first international World Cup and finished 6th at the 4th Asian Para Games.

In her 4th international event, Mona’s perseverance paid off as she secured a gold medal, a Paralympic quota, and set a new Asian record.

Mona Agarwal key details

Date of birth: 8th November 1987

Home location: Sikar, Rajasthan

Discipline: Para Shooting

Event: R2 -Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 R8 - Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 R6 - Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1

Training Base: Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi / Eklavya Sports Academy

Disability Class: SH1 (For Rifle- lower limb impairment e.g. amputations or paraplegia but with the ability to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position)

Achievement

New Delhi WSPS World Cup, (2024) - Gold (R2- 10m Air Rifle SH1) Asian Record (250.7) & Silver Medal (R10- 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team SH1)

Changwon WSPS World Cup, Korea, (2023) - Gold Medal (R2- 10m Air Rifle Standing Women SH1

Osijek WSPS World Cup (2023) - Bronze Medal (R10- 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team)

Key Government Intervention

Financial Assistance for training and competition

OPA under Khelo India along with training, boarding and lodging facility under NCoE Scheme