Harvinder Singh: From Tragic Beginning to Paralympic Glory
In the quiet village of Ajitgarh in Haryana’s Kaithal district, a single moment in 1992 set the stage for an extraordinary journey. Paramjeet Singh, a farmer, took his young son Harvinder to a local clinic for a minor illness. The visit, intended to be routine, took a devastating turn when a medical error led to an impairment in Harvinder’s left leg. For Paramjeet and his family, that day marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.
Decades later, Harvinder Singh’s story has transformed into one of remarkable triumph. At the Paris Paralympics, Harvinder achieved what many thought impossible. He won gold in the men’s recurve open event, defeating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek with a decisive 6-0 score. The victory, his second Paralympic medal, symbolized a profound shift from the pain of his past. “Winning this gold medal helps us move beyond the painful memories of that day,” Paramjeet told The Indian Express.
The road to Paralympic gold was neither straightforward nor easy. Initially, Harvinder’s impairment confined him largely to his home, where he dedicated himself to academics. His focus on education was unwavering, leading him to earn a PhD in labour reforms. Despite his academic success, Harvinder’s true passion lay elsewhere. His fascination with the precision of archery scores inspired him to take up the sport.
The 2012 London Olympics sparked Harvinder’s interest in archery. He enrolled at Punjabi University in Patiala, where he met coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja and later, coach Gaurav Sharma. Although he started with compound archery, Harvinder transitioned to recurve archery in 2015, a significant challenge due to his left leg impairment. Coach Teja recalls the adaptation process: “Recurve archery requires more than 60 percent of body weight on the left leg. We had to help Harvinder shift the load to his right leg.”
The transition was demanding, but Harvinder’s persistence paid off. He began to make a name for himself in national competitions, earning medals in 2016 and 2017. Despite finishing seventh at the World Para Archery Championship in 2017, Harvinder’s breakthrough came in 2018 at the Para Asian Games in Jakarta, where he won gold with a commanding 6-0 victory over Zhao Lixue of China.
Harvinder’s journey didn’t stop there. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, closing training facilities and disrupting plans. Undeterred, Harvinder continued to train on his family farm, where his father converted a portion of their land into an archery field. Coach Sharma, who continued to support Harvinder, noted, “Harvinder’s academic pursuits provided him with a mental refuge. His ability to focus and manage pressure was greatly aided by his love for learning.”
At the Tokyo Paralympics, Harvinder earned a bronze medal, marking India’s first Paralympic archery medal. His performance was a testament to his dedication and resilience. In Paris, Harvinder continued to demonstrate his exceptional skill. He progressed through the rounds with impressive victories, culminating in his gold medal win. His ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver perfect shots when needed most was crucial to his success.
As Harvinder prepares to return to his family, his loved ones—Paramjeet, his wife Manpreet, their son Waris, and other family members—await his homecoming with immense pride. “When Harvinder isn’t training, he enjoys spending time in the library at Punjabi University. We’ll make sure this time he enjoys every moment of his celebration,” Paramjeet shares.
Harvinder Singh’s journey from a tragic medical mishap to Paralympic gold is an inspiring tale of perseverance, dedication, and the triumph of the human spirit. His achievements not only celebrate his personal victory but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. For more on Harvinder Singh’s remarkable story, read the full article on The Indian Express.
