Manish Narwal achieved a remarkable milestone at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the men’s 50m pistol SH1 event.
Held at the Asaka Shooting Range, Narwal scored 218.2 in the final, setting a new Paralympic record. Despite qualifying for the medal round as the seventh-best shooter, Narwal demonstrated exceptional skill and focus during the final to secure top honors. His performance, alongside Singhraj Adhana’s silver medal in the same event, contributed to India’s success at the Games, marking the country’s third gold medal.
Narwal was born with a congenital deformity in his right hand. This condition initially brought him distress as a child, making him feel different from his peers. Reflecting on his early years, Narwal recalled his struggles with his right arm and the emotional impact it had on him. His awareness of his condition began in first grade, leading to a period of personal adjustment and acceptance.
Originally drawn to outdoor sports, Narwal aspired to become a footballer. However, his physical condition limited his ability to pursue a career in football beyond the local club level. This shift in his sporting dreams led him to seek other avenues where he could excel, eventually steering him towards shooting.
Narwal’s journey into shooting began with significant support from his father. After a recommendation from a close friend, Narwal’s father took him to a shooting range in their hometown of Ballabhgarh in 2016. There, Narwal began training under coach Rakesh Thakur at the 10X Shooting Academy. His father’s encouragement and belief in his potential played a crucial role in Narwal’s development as a para-shooter.
Narwal’s career in para-shooting has been marked by several notable achievements. One of his most significant accomplishments came at the 2021 Para Shooting World Cup, where he set a new world record in the P4 mixed 50m pistol SH1 event. He scored 229.1 points, surpassing the previous record of 228.6 held by Serbia’s Rastko Jokic. This achievement solidified Narwal’s reputation as a leading figure in para-shooting. His Tokyo 2020 gold further established his place in para-sports history.
Manish Narwal looks up to prominent figures in sports for motivation. He idolizes Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter, and Lionel Messi, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. Narwal’s admiration for these athletes reflects his commitment to excellence and his aspiration to achieve high standards in his own sport. Alongside his competitive achievements, Narwal’s personal interests and influences play a role in shaping his approach to shooting and sportsmanship.
Manish Narwal’s victory at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and his record-setting performance at the Para Shooting World Cup highlight his exceptional abilities and contributions to para-sports. His journey from overcoming early challenges to achieving international success offers a compelling narrative of resilience and skill in the world of competitive shooting.
