Meet Harvinder Singh: Gold Medalist Para Archer Who’s Pursuing PhD in Economics – News18

Harvinder Singh scripted history by becoming the first Indian archer to clinch a gold at the Paralympics. The 33-year-old bettered the colour of his medal in a superlative performance of five consecutive wins. He defeated Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 in a one-sided final to script history for himself and the country.

Harvinder Singh, originally from Ajit Nagar village in Haryana’s Kaithal district, belongs to a farmer family. He faced adversity at a young age, when he was just one and a half years old, he contracted dengue and required injections for treatment. Unfortunately, the side effects of those injections led to the loss of function in his legs. Despite this setback, he discovered a passion for archery while watching the London Paralympics in 2012. Recognizing his talent, his coach guided him to make his debut at the Para Archery World Championship in 2017, where he finished 7th. In 2018, he achieved further success by winning a gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Para Games.

During the lockdown, his father supported his ambitions by converting their farm into an archery range. Alongside his sporting achievements, Harvinder is also pursuing a PhD in Economics from Punjabi University, Patiala.

Harvinder made history by winning bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics which is India’s first-ever archery medal at the Paralympics. His journey from adversity to triumph is a testament to determination and passion. His remarkable achievements driven by resilience, inspire us to overcome obstacles and reach for our dreams. Harvinder’s story reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

About Harvinder Singh:

Born on: February 25, 1991

Hails from: Kaithal, Haryana

Discipline: Recurve Men Open & Mixed Team

Trains at: SAI Sonipat & Punjabi University, Patiala

Disability Type: ST (Amputation of the forearm above the wrist i.e. no wrist joint present/amputation of the lower 1/3 of the leg i.e. no ankle joint present)

Achievement

• Tokyo Paralympics (2020) – Bronze medal
• Asian Para Games 2022 (2023) – Bronze medal in Men’s Team
• Asian Para Games (2018) – Gold medal
• Asian Para Championship (2023) – Silver
• Medal in Men’s Team

Key Government Intervention

• Financial Assistance for Equipment
• Financial Assistance for Training & Competition
• Training facility including boarding & lodging at SAI Sonipat
• Out of Pocket Allowance under TOPS