Harvinder Singh scripts history at Paris Paralympics winning first-ever gold for India in archery

Harvinder beat Poland's Lukasz Ciszek in the final of the men's individual recurve open event.

The 33-year-old Indian, who lost to Kevin Mather of the USA in the Tokyo Paralympics semifinals and settled with a bronze three years ago, put up a dominant show to knock out Ciszek 6-0 (28-24, 28-27, 29-25).

Showing no signs of fatigue. Harvinder, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics, won five back-to-back matches in a single day.

He managed to script his name in history and clinch India's second medal in archery.

Both his legs are impaired owing to the side effects of dengue treatment that he underwent as a toddler.

Congratulating Singh, Prime minister Narendra Modi posted: "A very special Gold in Para Archery! Congratulations to Harvinder Singh for winning the Gold medal in the Men's Individual Recurve Open at the #Paralympics2024! His precision, focus and unwavering spirit are outstanding. India is very happy with his accomplishment."

Earlier in the day, world Champion Sachin Sarjerao Khilari clinched India's 21st medal at Paris Paralympics, winning a silver in the Men's Shot Put F46 event.