Singhraj Adhana punched the air in delight after confirming his second medal in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.
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While winning even a single medal in major events like the Paralympics is considered a massive feat, shooter Singhraj Adhana has managed to achieve the same on two occasions in an exemplary feat. Singhraj won a silver medal in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 Final of the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics, with a score of 216.7. He finished very close to 19-year-old Manish Narwal who scripted a new Paralympics record following a score of 218.2 in the same event. Manish delivered a fantastic performance, with Singhraj further becoming the third Indian to win two medals in a single edition of the Paralympics. The former holds a world record score in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event.
Singhraj had earlier won a bronze medal in the P1 men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event, showcasing his prowess to the core. The 39-year-old from Haryana has put in his fair share of hard work, having needed a walking stick in his early life after contracting polio as a child.
“Seedhi si baat hain, para athletes ki life toh tough hoti hain (It is pretty simple, para athletes have a tough life),” said Singhraj in a media interaction organised by the Paralympic Committee of India as quoted by Scroll.
“I got polio when I was one, there were no polio drops in the village. But my parents and grandmother didn’t give up. I used to walk with a stick and my mother would always say you have to have trust in yourself to walk on your feet. By the grace of God, I left the walking stick when I was about 14-15 years old. Vishwas ki jeet thi. I am probably the luckiest student in India who was always surrounded by good people. I have three coaches to motivate me and my family has always supported me,” he added.
Singhraj further shared the thoughts that he was experiencing while battling it out in the P1 men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event.
“When we were just four left, me and the three Chinese shooters, I told myself that I can’t afford a bad shot now. My coaches have taught me – one shot, repeat, perfect shot. My coach says remember the thing that makes you happy and take the shot. I picked a shot, kissed the gun, told myself this would be a perfect shot, and I was back on the third spot. My dream of gold is incomplete but I am happy,” he stated.
The shooter decided to build his own range for both 10m and 50m after training came to a standstill.
“I was unable to sleep at night thinking about how I would train during the lockdown. A coach suggested I build my own range and I stayed up at night, drew up plans and saw that it can be done. First, my family was worried about the cost, but I said I can’t sleep without training. I was stubborn so my family gave in but said don’t spend so much that we go hungry in the future given the financial situation during the lockdown,” said Singhraj, indicating his passion.
