NEW DELHI: Tokyo Games gold medallist Manish Narwal clinched a silver medal in the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1) final at the Paralympic Games in Chateauroux on Friday.
The 22-year-old shooter, who previously won gold in the 50m pistol event at the Tokyo Games three years ago, displayed resilience and determination as he advanced from fifth to first place, only to falter in the final moments and settle for silver with a score of 234.9.South Korea’s Jo Jeongdu, a 37-year-old veteran, secured the gold with 237.4 points, narrowly missing the Paralympic Games record.
Manish, coming from a family of shooters and recognized with the highest sporting honor, the Khel Ratna, qualified for the final in fifth place after scoring 565 points.
His father, Dilbag Narwal, said that Manish was particularly eager to win the 10m air pistol medal in Paris.
“Yes, he did win the 50m pistol gold in Tokyo but his aim was to win a medal in 10m air pistol as well. He topped the qualification in Tokyo, but unfortunately, finished seventh in the finals,” said Dilbag.
“He called us a little while back and said he was sorry that he couldn’t bring the gold medal. But we told him, it’s a massive achievement after the Tokyo disappointment,” said Dilbag.
The other Indian competitor in the event, 17-year-old Rudransh Kahndelwal, narrowly missed the final, finishing in ninth place with a score of 561. In the SH1 classification, athletes can hold their gun without support and shoot while either standing or sitting, according to their individual needs.
Manish’s journey in shooting began in 2016.
His father, a former state-level freestyle wrestler, sought a suitable sport for Manish, who has an impairment in his right hand.
“Someone suggested that Manish could take up shooting sport. He was passionate about football but we knew there was no future for him in the game because of his disability,” said Dilbagh about his elder son.
Dilbag highlighted early struggles, such as difficulties sourcing specialized pistols and ammunition.
“For a very long time they didn’t even have their own pistols, but now, by God’s grace, all three kids have no problem.”
The Narwal family faced a significant tragedy last November when they lost their eldest brother, Manjeet, in a road accident. This had a deep impact on all three siblings, causing them to slip into depression.
“My eldest son, Manjeet, died in a road mishap on November 1 last year after which the three went into depression. He was not a shooter.
“A water tanker hit him from behind and crushed him under the wheels. Shikha suffered the most due to the tragedy and lost her place in the national squad. She has not been able to overcome the loss still. All three were very much attached to Manjeet.”
Manish, affectionately nicknamed ‘Haryana Roadways bus’ by his coaches because of his consistent lead over competitors, reflected on his achievement.
“This medal is the reward of eight years of hard work. I cried after winning this medal.
“I did everything possible to win this medal, changed my technique, tried to remove all the shortcomings in my training and implemented all lot of learnings from Tokyo. I have worked with three coaches between Tokyo and now to get this elusive medal,” said Manish.
The 22-year-old shooter, who previously won gold in the 50m pistol event at the Tokyo Games three years ago, displayed resilience and determination as he advanced from fifth to first place, only to falter in the final moments and settle for silver with a score of 234.9.South Korea’s Jo Jeongdu, a 37-year-old veteran, secured the gold with 237.4 points, narrowly missing the Paralympic Games record.
Manish, coming from a family of shooters and recognized with the highest sporting honor, the Khel Ratna, qualified for the final in fifth place after scoring 565 points.
His father, Dilbag Narwal, said that Manish was particularly eager to win the 10m air pistol medal in Paris.
“Yes, he did win the 50m pistol gold in Tokyo but his aim was to win a medal in 10m air pistol as well. He topped the qualification in Tokyo, but unfortunately, finished seventh in the finals,” said Dilbag.
“He called us a little while back and said he was sorry that he couldn’t bring the gold medal. But we told him, it’s a massive achievement after the Tokyo disappointment,” said Dilbag.
The other Indian competitor in the event, 17-year-old Rudransh Kahndelwal, narrowly missed the final, finishing in ninth place with a score of 561. In the SH1 classification, athletes can hold their gun without support and shoot while either standing or sitting, according to their individual needs.
Manish’s journey in shooting began in 2016.
His father, a former state-level freestyle wrestler, sought a suitable sport for Manish, who has an impairment in his right hand.
“Someone suggested that Manish could take up shooting sport. He was passionate about football but we knew there was no future for him in the game because of his disability,” said Dilbagh about his elder son.
Dilbag highlighted early struggles, such as difficulties sourcing specialized pistols and ammunition.
“For a very long time they didn’t even have their own pistols, but now, by God’s grace, all three kids have no problem.”
The Narwal family faced a significant tragedy last November when they lost their eldest brother, Manjeet, in a road accident. This had a deep impact on all three siblings, causing them to slip into depression.
“My eldest son, Manjeet, died in a road mishap on November 1 last year after which the three went into depression. He was not a shooter.
“A water tanker hit him from behind and crushed him under the wheels. Shikha suffered the most due to the tragedy and lost her place in the national squad. She has not been able to overcome the loss still. All three were very much attached to Manjeet.”
Manish, affectionately nicknamed ‘Haryana Roadways bus’ by his coaches because of his consistent lead over competitors, reflected on his achievement.
“This medal is the reward of eight years of hard work. I cried after winning this medal.
“I did everything possible to win this medal, changed my technique, tried to remove all the shortcomings in my training and implemented all lot of learnings from Tokyo. I have worked with three coaches between Tokyo and now to get this elusive medal,” said Manish.
