In a remarkable achievement during the third day of the Paris Paralympics 2024, India secured its fifth medal, courtesy of shooter Rubina Francis. Competing in the Women’s 10 Meter Air Pistol SH1 event, Rubina clinched the bronze medal, marking her first-ever medal at the Paralympics. With this success, India has now garnered a total of five medals at the ongoing event, four of which have come from shooting disciplines. Rubina scored an impressive 211.1 points to achieve this historic feat.
Rubina Francis: Aim for Bronze
After the first stage of the finals, Rubina was positioned third. In this stage, she managed an impressive score of 97.6 from ten shots, with individual scores of 10.7, 10.3, 10.3, 9.7, 9.0, 8.4, 10.0, 9.8, 9.6, and 9.8. Continuing her excellent performance into the second stage, Rubina not only achieved a personal milestone but also made history as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal in pistol shooting.
A Mechanic’s Daughter Achieving Greatness
Hailing from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Rubina Francis has consistently shown her prowess in para-pistol shooting. She has previously contributed significantly to India’s success in international competitions, winning a silver medal in the 10 Meter Air Pistol event at the 2023 World Shooting Para Sports World Cup. Additionally, Rubina has also claimed a gold medal in the mixed team event at the Para Shooting World Cup, competing in the P-6 Air Pistol category. Her family background further inspires her story; her mother, Sunita Francis, is a nurse, and her father, Simon, works as a motor mechanic, reinforcing her humble beginnings.
Medal Winners from India at the Paris Paralympics 2024
| Event | Athlete | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Meter Air Rifle SH1 | Avani Lekhara | Gold |
| 10 Meter Air Rifle SH1 | Mona Agarwal | Bronze |
| 100m T35 | Priti Pal | Bronze |
| 10 Meter Air Pistol SH1 | Manish Narwal | Silver |
| 10 Meter Air Pistol SH1 | Rubina Francis | Bronze |
Conclusion
Rubina Francis’s remarkable journey and her achievement at the Paris Paralympics 2024 not only highlights her skills as a shooter but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India. With strong determination, dedication, and passion, she exemplifies how one can overcome challenges and achieve greatness. The collective success of Indian athletes at the Paralympics showcases the rising prominence of para-sports in the nation and the potential for future triumphs.
