Mona Agarwal Biography: Mona Agarwal is an inspiring Indian para shooter born in 1987 in Sikar, Rajasthan. She has overcome significant challenges, including polio, to achieve remarkable success in sports. On August 30, 2024, she won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 category, making her the second Indian to medal in this event.
Early Life
Mona faced difficulties from a young age. She contracted polio at nine months, which affected her legs. Growing up as the third daughter in a conservative family, she faced societal stigma. Despite these challenges, her maternal grandmother supported her ambitions.
Mona's father, a hardware store owner, encouraged her interest in sports. She initially engaged in athletics, competing in shot put and discus throw at the state level. However, she struggled to complete her education due to societal pressures against girls.
Mona Agarwal Age, Wikipeda, Biography, Records, Disability, Achievement,
| Complete | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mona Agarwal |
| Date of Birth | 1987 |
| Birthplace | Sikar, Rajasthan, India |
| Disability | Polio (affecting both legs) |
| Sport | Para Shooting |
| Category | Women's 10m Air Rifle SH1 |
| Coaching | Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy, Jaipur; Coach: Yogesh Shekhawat |
| Education | University of Rajasthan, Degree in Psychology |
| Marital Status | Married to Ravindra Chaudhary, a former wheelchair basketball player |
| Children | Two (Son: Avik, Daughter: Aarvi) |
| Career Start | 2021 (transitioned to shooting after competing in athletics and weightlifting) |
| Major Achievements | - Gold at WSPS Para Shooting World Cup, New Delhi (March 2024) |
| - Gold at WSPS Para Shooting World Cup, Changwon, Korea (April 2024) | |
| - Bronze at 2024 Paris Paralympics (August 30, 2024) |
Personal Life
Mona married Ravindra Chaudhary, a former wheelchair basketball player. After their marriage in 2017, she shifted her focus to para-weightlifting, winning a state title in the 60 kg category. They have two children, a son named Avik and a daughter named Aarvi. Ravindra has been a constant source of support, encouraging her to pursue her dreams.
Transition to Shooting
In late 2021, Mona began shooting at the Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy in Jaipur. Under coach Yogesh Shekhawat, she quickly excelled, demonstrating exceptional skill and focus. Financial constraints posed challenges, but she and her husband saved diligently to purchase her first rifle.
Achievements
Mona made her international debut at the World Cup in Osijek, Croatia, in July 2023. She won gold at the Para Shooting World Cup in New Delhi in March 2024, securing her place at the Paris Paralympics. She continued her success with another gold in Korea in April 2024.
Paris Paralympics
At the Paris Paralympics, Mona's determination shone through. Competing in the 10m air rifle SH1 event, she showcased her skills and resilience, ultimately winning the bronze medal. Her achievement is a powerful message of hope and inspiration for many, especially for girls facing similar challenges.
Legacy
Mona Agarwal's journey from adversity to success is a testament to her strength and determination. She has become a role model, proving that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Her story inspires many, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers.
Mona's achievements not only highlight her talent but also emphasize the importance of support from family and community. As she continues her journey, she aims to inspire future generations of athletes, especially young girls in India.
FAQ About Mona Agarwal, the Indian Para Shooter Who Won a Bronze Medal At the 2024 Paris Paralympics:
1. Who is Mona Agarwal?
Mona Agarwal is a 37-year-old Indian para shooter from Sikar, Rajasthan. She was born in 1987 and contracted polio at a young age, affecting both her legs. Despite facing societal stigma and challenges, she pursued her passion for sports.
2. What is Mona Agarwal's Sport And Category?
Mona Agarwal competes in para shooting, specifically in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 category. SH1 is for athletes with lower limb impairment who can hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position.
3. What are Mona Agarwal's Major Achievements?
- Bronze medal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
- Gold at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in New Delhi, India in March 2024
- Gold at the WSPS Para Shooting World Cup in Changwon, Korea in April 2024
4. How did Mona Agarwal Get Into Shooting?
Mona Agarwal initially competed in para athletics events like shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw at the state level in Jaipur. After winning a state title in para weightlifting in the 60kg category in 2017, she transitioned to para shooting in late 2021.
5. Where does Mona Agarwal Train?
Mona Agarwal trains at the Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy in Jaipur under coach Yogesh Shekhawat. She also practices at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
6. What Challenges did Mona Agarwal Face?
As a child, Mona faced mockery and stigma for being the third daughter in her family and having polio. Financial constraints were also a challenge, as she had to save diligently to purchase her first rifle costing over ₹4 lakhs. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother of two children with her training was another hurdle she overcame.
7. Who Supports Mona Agarwal?
Mona's husband, Ravindra Chaudhary, a former wheelchair basketball player, has been a constant source of support, encouraging her to pursue her dreams. Her father, who ran a hardware store, also supported her ambitions from a young age