Manish Narwal has achieved another remarkable milestone in his sporting career by clinching the silver medal in the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Narwal scored an impressive 234.9 in the final, marking his second Paralympic medal and reinforcing his position as a leading athlete in para shooting.
A Journey from Ballabgarh to the Paralympic Podium
Hailing from Ballabgarh, Haryana, Narwal’s journey to the Paralympic stage is a testament to his determination and passion. Despite facing a congenital impairment in his right hand and coming from a modest background, Narwal’s love for shooting began in 2016 when his family introduced him to a local shooting range. Drawn to the sport immediately, he started frequenting the range and enjoyed competing with other athletes.
Initially unaware of the Paralympics, Narwal’s natural talent was recognized by coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal. Under Nautiyal’s guidance, Narwal made his international debut at the 2017 Bangkok World Cup, where he won gold in the P1 – 10m Air Pistol SH1 event and set a Junior World Record in both qualification and finals.
Continued Excellence and Mentorship
Narwal’s success continued under the mentorship of High Performance Coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal and National Coach Subhash Rana. He has amassed numerous medals at various championships and world cups. Despite occasional setbacks and low scores, Narwal’s self-motivation and relentless drive have led him to break numerous Junior and Senior World Records, establishing him as a formidable competitor.
Major Achievements and Awards
Narwal’s achievements extend beyond the Paris Paralympics. His impressive record includes:
- Paralympics Games (2024): Silver Medal in 10m air pistol (SH1)
- Paralympics Games (2020): Gold Medal in P4 – Mixed 50m Pistol
- Asian Para Games (2022): Bronze Medal in P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol
- Asian Para Games (2018): Gold Medal in P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol & Silver Medal in P4 – Mixed 50m Free Pistol
- New Delhi World Cup (2024): Silver Medals in P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol & P1 – Men’s Team 10m Air Pistol & P6 – Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol
- Osijek World Cup (2023): Gold Medal in P1 – Men’s Team 10m Air Pistol & Silver Medals in P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol & P6 – Mixed Team 10m Pistol
Support and Recognition
Narwal’s achievements have been supported by key government interventions, including financial assistance for sports equipment, expert services, training, and competition expenses, as well as an out-of-pocket allowance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Manish Narwal’s continued success is a shining example of perseverance and talent, elevating him as one of the top para shooters in the world.