Harvinder Singh: The Making of a Paralympic Archery Legend

Dealing with the unexpected is second nature to Harvinder Singh. Whether in archery or life, he has honed his ability to anticipate challenges, thanks to the tough lessons life has thrown at him. At 33, Harvinder has achieved feats that set him apart, not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience. Born in Haryana, he became the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic gold medal, overcoming significant obstacles along the way. His legs were impaired due to a medical mishap during dengue treatment when he was just a year old. Rather than dwelling on his circumstances, Harvinder chose to rise above them, a mindset that has defined his journey to the top of Paralympic archery.

A Historic Bronze in Tokyo: The Start of Paralympic Glory

Harvinder's road to success began three years ago at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian archer to stand on the Paralympic podium. That medal was a stepping stone, not a finish line, for the determined athlete. On Wednesday, Harvinder went a step further, winning his second consecutive Paralympic medal, this time a gold, in the recurve open category. Demonstrating nerves of steel and extraordinary consistency, he secured five wins in a single day, outperforming his previous achievements.

Archery Firsts for India: Pioneering Success

Harvinder’s success marks a series of firsts in Indian archery. He is the first Indian to medal at the Paralympics in archery, and his back-to-back success has placed him in the annals of Indian sports history. When he’s not winning medals, Harvinder is pursuing a Ph.D. in economics, illustrating his commitment to growth both on and off the field.

Staying Focused Amid Challenges

Despite his remarkable skill and success, Harvinder remains grounded. In the weeks leading up to his win, he had been excelling in practice, scoring higher than the world record during qualification. However, his confidence took a hit when he finished ninth in the ranking round. Still, Harvinder refused to let doubt creep in, instead choosing to focus on each match. He said, "Archery is a game of the unexpected. Everything can happen. I focused on every arrow. Only the next arrow counts." This mindset carried him through, especially in the final round, where he shot three perfect 10s in his last four arrows to secure a 6-0 win over Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek.

Key to Success: The Final Arrow

For Harvinder, the philosophy of focusing on the "next arrow" has been critical. In archery, as in life, the present moment is all that matters. "I was just focusing on my next match. Only that way, I could move to the next round, and one by one, I moved to the final. And eventually, I won gold," he explained. This relentless focus allowed him to improve on his bronze medal performance in Tokyo, realizing his dream of winning gold in Paris.

A Supportive Team and a Strong Belief

While Harvinder's individual talent is undeniable, he credits his teammates for helping instill in him the belief that he could aim for the top spot on the podium. After his bronze in Tokyo, they continually motivated him, saying he had a real chance at gold. Harvinder's focus and calm demeanor ensured that he remained consistent throughout the competition, losing no more than three points in each of his matches.

The Path to Archery: Inspired by the London Olympics

Harvinder’s journey into archery began after he saw the sport on television during the London Olympics. It captured his attention and fueled his desire to take up the bow. Now, years later, he feels "blessed" to have achieved so much in the sport, and his triumphs reflect both his hard work and his determination to bring glory to his country.

A Dedication to Family and Country

After his gold medal win, Harvinder dedicated his victory to two significant entities in his life: his country, India, and his late mother. His mother passed away just before the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta. As a tribute to her memory, Harvinder went on to win gold at those Games. Once again, she was at the forefront of his mind during the Paris Paralympics. "I could imagine how happy she would be if she could have been here. When I reach medal rounds, she is always on my mind," he said after his win.

The Importance of Confidence and the Final Arrow

One of Harvinder’s core strategies in competition is to always aim for a perfect 10 with his final arrow, a goal he says helped him clinch the gold in Paris. "If you have confidence, you can land the arrow. Sometimes it can slip to nine, but you always have to finish with a 10, because it's your last arrow," he remarked. This approach has not only improved his game but has also given him a framework for navigating high-pressure situations.

Looking Forward: A Champion's Legacy

Harvinder Singh’s accomplishments have not only brought pride to his country but have also set a benchmark for future Indian archers. His resilience, mental strength, and determination are qualities that will inspire generations to come. As he continues his journey, both as a champion athlete and a scholar, Harvinder remains a symbol of what is possible when one refuses to be limited by circumstances. His legacy is one of perseverance, focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.