Meet Tokyo Paralympic Gold Medalist Manish Narwal: New Indian Shooting Superstar

Tokyo Paralympic: Manish Narwal overcame the disappointment of not winning a medal in the Men’s P1 SH1 10m Air Pistol – despite leading the Qualifier – with a sensational victory in the P4 50m SH1 Air Pistol to win the gold medal, ahead of his compatriot Singhraj Adhana. Adana himself won his second medal in Tokyo today after his bronze in the 10m pistol the week before.

Growing up, Manish Narwal dreamed of becoming a footballer and representing his country on the international stage. However, a congenital disease in his right hand meant he couldn’t pursue his passion. It hurt, but Manish had his father for advice and encouragement.

Dilbagh Narwal, his father, was a wrestler himself and knew the importance of sport. They began their search for a sport that Manish could play and excel at. Finally, he decided to take the set in 2016.

“I always wanted to be a footballer because I loved outdoor sports. But due to my handicap, I couldn’t play beyond the level of the local club. A close friend of my father told him to think about introducing me to shooting. My dad took me to the TenX Shooting Academy in Ballabgarh, run by trainer Rakesh Thakur. If he hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have excelled at this sport. I owe my success to him, ”Manish told The Times of India in an interview.

And the 19-year-old has since established himself as one of the top shooters not only in India but around the world while setting new records. He continually competed against more accomplished and experienced shooters and always won.

Between 2016 and 2019, the youngster pocketed 19 amazing medals in different competitions. Among his main achievements are a gold medal at the 2018 Para Asian Games, three medals at the 2019 World Championships (Sydney).

Manish Narwal Profile

  • DOB: 17 October, 2001
  • Origin of Impairment: Congenital (right hand)
  • Classification: SH1
  • Handedness Left
  • Name of coach Subhash Rana (national)
  • Hobbies: Football and movies
  • Idol: Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi
  • Awards: Arjuna Award in 2020

Major Achievements

  • Gold medal with world record in P4 and silver in P4 team events in 2021 WSPS, Al Ain, UAE
  • Three gold medals in P1 (Individual and Team) and P4 team and bronze in P4 at Chateauroux 2018 World Cup, France
  • Gold medal with Para Asian Record in P1 and silver medal in P4 at 3rd Para Asian Games, 2018.
  • Three bronze medals in P1 and P4 (individual and team) at Sydney 2019 World Shooting Para Sports World Championship, Australia.
  • Three gold medals in P1, P4 and P6 team events and silver medal in P1 at Osijek 2019 World Shooting para Cup, Croatia.

ALSO READ: 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games- Avani Lekhara wins bronze in 50m shooting, 2nd medal for Golden Girl

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