India made an encouraging start to its campaign at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup in Novi Sad, Serbia, with Paris Paralympic medallist Mona Agarwal winning the bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.
The medal marks India’s first podium finish of the tournament, which is being held from July 25 to August 3 and features nearly 300 athletes from over 50 countries. Mona’s latest success adds another milestone to her growing international career and reinforces India’s rising stature in para shooting.
The World Cup is an important event in the international calendar, offering athletes valuable ranking points and experience ahead of future global championships. While no detailed statement from Mona Agarwal or the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) was immediately available, the achievement was widely celebrated by India’s sporting fraternity, with officials and fans congratulating the para shooter on another impressive international performance.
A Strong Opening for India
Competing against a highly competitive international field, Mona Agarwal once again showcased her composure and consistency by securing the bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. The SH1 category is designed for athletes with lower limb impairments who are able to support the weight of the rifle themselves while shooting. Her podium finish gives India an ideal start in Novi Sad, where several of the country’s top para shooters are competing against some of the world’s best marksmen.
The Novi Sad World Cup has attracted close to 300 athletes from 51 nations, making it one of the biggest para shooting competitions of the year. India has sent a strong contingent featuring experienced Paralympians and emerging talents, with hopes of building momentum ahead of upcoming international events, including the 2026 World Championships. Beyond medals, the competition also provides athletes with an opportunity to improve their world rankings, achieve Minimum Qualification Scores (MQS), and test themselves against elite competition.
Although no formal comments from Mona Agarwal or NRAI officials were released immediately after the event, congratulatory messages from the Indian sporting community highlighted the significance of her achievement. Her medal has also boosted the morale of the Indian contingent as the tournament continues with several medal events still to come.
From Determination to International Success
Mona Agarwal’s latest bronze medal is another chapter in a remarkable journey marked by resilience, dedication and consistent performances on the global stage. Hailing from Rajasthan, she has emerged as one of India’s most accomplished para shooters over the past few years despite facing significant personal and physical challenges.
Her breakthrough came when she secured a Paralympic quota for India by winning gold at the WSPS World Cup in New Delhi in 2024. She followed that achievement with another impressive gold medal at the Changwon World Cup before scripting history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she won bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. That Paralympic medal made her one of India’s standout para athletes and inspired many aspiring sportspersons across the country.
The latest bronze medal in Novi Sad demonstrates that her Paralympic success was no one-off achievement. Instead, it reflects sustained excellence, disciplined preparation and the ability to perform consistently under pressure. India’s para shooting programme has enjoyed remarkable growth in recent years, producing world-class athletes who continue to challenge established sporting powers. Performances like Mona’s underline the increasing depth of talent within the country and showcase the impact of better coaching, improved infrastructure and greater institutional support for para sports.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Mona Agarwal’s latest international medal is more than just another sporting achievement—it is a reminder of what determination, equal opportunity and perseverance can accomplish. Para athletes often overcome barriers that extend far beyond the field of play, including limited resources, accessibility challenges and lower public visibility compared to mainstream sports. Every international podium finish is therefore not only a personal triumph but also a powerful statement about inclusion and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to excel.
India’s growing success in para shooting reflects years of hard work by athletes, coaches, federations and support staff who have collectively helped elevate the country’s standing in global competitions. However, sustained investment in accessible sporting infrastructure, grassroots talent identification and greater media coverage remains essential to ensure these achievements continue. Celebrating para athletes only during major tournaments is not enough; they deserve consistent recognition, sponsorship and public support throughout the year.
As Mona Agarwal adds another international medal to her impressive career, her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes across India, proving that courage and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges. How can India build on these successes to ensure more para athletes receive the opportunities, recognition and support they deserve at every stage of their sporting journey?
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सर्बिया में आयोजित WSPS वर्ल्ड कप 2026 में राजस्थान की बेटी, विद्याधर नगर विधानसभा निवासी एवं अर्जुन अवॉर्ड से सम्मानित अंतर्राष्ट्रीय पैरा निशानेबाज मोना अग्रवाल जी को कांस्य पदक जीतकर भारत का गौरव बढ़ाने पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।
— Diya Kumari (@KumariDiya) July 26, 2026
आपकी यह उपलब्धि अथक परिश्रम, अनुशासन,… pic.twitter.com/AtzW8lxEVP
