Para-shooter Mona Agarwal made headlines at the Asian Para Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where she not only secured her first medal but also accomplished a remarkable double gold in two shooting events. The 38-year-old athlete triumphed in the 10m air rifle standing and the 50m rifle three positions events, exceeding her own expectations. Agarwal’s performance was highlighted by her breaking the World Record in the 50m final, along with setting five new records during the competition.

Upon completing her final shot, Agarwal looked up at the central display board and was taken aback by what she saw. “I hadn’t planned for a World Record, I had only prepared for a medal,” she stated. The moment she saw the screen flash ‘World Record, Asian Record, and Games Record’ simultaneously, she was filled with awe. Winning two gold medals in her first appearance at the Asian Para Games was a moment she described as incredibly special.

Agarwal’s journey to this achievement was marked by intense preparation and dedication. For eight months, she trained rigorously in Delhi, away from her home in Jaipur and her two young children. This commitment to her sport came with its own set of challenges, as she balanced the demands of elite performance with her responsibilities as a mother.

Recognition as Flag Bearer

In a further twist of fate, just half an hour after her medal ceremony, Agarwal received the news that she had been selected as India’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony. She expressed her surprise, noting that carrying the national flag was not something she had anticipated. “I laughed thinking I’d already received every surprise imaginable with the World Record! Carrying the tricolour wasn’t even on my bucket list, but holding it felt like carrying the pride of 1.5 billion Indians,” she remarked.

This recognition added to the significance of her achievements at the Games, as she represented her country on a larger platform. Agarwal’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration not only to aspiring athletes but also to those who face challenges in their personal lives.

Her dedication to the sport and her family has been a driving force in her success. Agarwal acknowledged the crucial support from her mother-in-law, Brahma Devi, who helped manage her household while she focused on her training. “Only a mother understands a mother’s heart,” she reflected, highlighting the importance of family support in her journey.

Plans for Celebration and Family Reunion

As Agarwal prepares to return home, her plans for celebration are heartwarming and simple. She expressed that her idea of celebration revolves around spending quality time with her children. “Celebration for me is just to sit and watch my kids open the gifts I am bringing back from Japan for them and watch them smile in joy,” she shared.

Her triumph is not just a personal victory but also a tribute to the women who have influenced her life. Agarwal dedicated her success to her mother-in-law and her late grandmother, Geeta Devi, who instilled in her the importance of perseverance. “This is for the two ladies in my life who taught me never to give up,” she stated.

Mona Agarwal’s achievements at the Asian Para Games not only highlight her exceptional talent but also her resilience and commitment to both her sport and her family. As she returns home, her story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and support in overcoming challenges.

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