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Rubina Francis, a talented Indian shooter, has secured a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics, adding to India's impressive medal haul at the games. Francis, who qualified in seventh position, scored an impressive 211.1 points in the eight-woman final, securing third place on the podium. This achievement marks India's fourth medal in shooting and fifth overall at the Paris Paralympics, further solidifying the nation's strong presence in the international sporting arena.
Francis' journey in the world of shooting began in 2015, ignited by her admiration for Olympic shooter Gagan Narang. Despite facing financial hurdles, her unwavering determination led her to join Pune's Gun for Glory Academy in 2017, with her father's unwavering support. Under the expert mentorship of Jai Prakash Nautiyal, Francis' talent quickly blossomed, leading to her selection at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy. There, she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coach Jaspal Rana, paving the way for her first international medal.
Francis' bronze medal follows the impressive achievements of her fellow Indian athletes. Avani Lekhara, in a remarkable feat, successfully defended her women's 10m air rifle gold from the previous Paralympics. Mona Agarwal also contributed to India's medal tally by winning bronze in the same event. In the men's 10m air pistol (SH1), Manish Narwal secured a silver medal, further bolstering India's strong performance at the games. In the SH1 class, athletes compete by shooting from either a standing or sitting position, depending on their individual abilities.
Francis' dedication and perseverance, coupled with her unwavering support system, have propelled her to international recognition. Her bronze medal is a testament to her hard work, talent, and the unwavering belief in her abilities. As India continues to celebrate its success at the Paris Paralympics, Rubina Francis' achievement stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Source: Rubina Francis wins Bronze in women’s 10m Air Pistol, takes India’s medal tally to five