Padma Shri Harvinder Singh, India’s world no. 1 para archer, made history at the 2025 Asian Para Archery Championships in Beijing, clinching two gold medals and setting a new competition record.
Singh’s victories in the recurve open mixed team (with Bhawna) and recurve men’s open events powered India to a record second-place finish in the medal tally, with nine medals overall. His journey from a childhood disability to the pinnacle of Asian archery stands as a powerful symbol of equality and resilience in Indian sport.
A Champion’s Journey: From Rural Haryana to the World Stage
Born in 1991 in a small village in Haryana, Harvinder Singh lost mobility in his left leg due to a reaction to an injection at the age of one. Despite the early setback, Singh pursued education and sport with equal determination, earning a master’s degree in economics and discovering archery during his university years.
Training with limited resources, he rose through the ranks to become India’s first Paralympic archery medallist, winning bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Singh’s story is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and the importance of accessible sports infrastructure for all.
Golden Moments: Record-Breaking Performances in Beijing
At the 2025 Asian Para Archery Championships, Harvinder Singh set a new competition record of 663 points in the recurve men’s qualifying round. In the recurve open mixed team event, he partnered with Bhawna to defeat China in a dramatic 5-4 shoot-off, clinching India’s first gold of the tournament.
Singh then dominated the recurve men’s open final, overpowering Thailand’s Hanreuchai Netsiri 7-1 for his second gold. Officials from the Archery Association of India praised Singh’s leadership and consistency, calling his achievements “a proud moment for Indian para sports and a beacon of hope for all athletes.”
India’s Para Archery Rise: Teamwork and Determination
India’s strong showing in Beijing was not limited to Singh’s heroics. The women’s compound team of Sheetal Devi and Jyoti added another gold by defeating China’s Lu Zhang and Jing Zhao 148-143.
The Indian squad also secured three silver and three bronze medals, reflecting the depth and growing talent in the nation’s para archery ranks. These results highlight the impact of increased investment in para sports and the crucial role of inclusive training facilities and coaching.
Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change
Harvinder Singh’s achievements go beyond sporting triumph—they challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the potential of athletes with disabilities when given equal opportunities.
His journey, alongside the collective success of the Indian para archery team, underscores the urgent need for accessible infrastructure, fair representation, and societal support for all athletes, regardless of ability. Singh’s story inspires not just aspiring sportspersons, but all who believe in the power of equality and perseverance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate Harvinder Singh’s golden journey as a beacon of hope and equality. His rise from adversity to international acclaim shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
