A Historic Feat: Indian Archer Pooja Aims for gold at Para World Championships
Pooja, a 24-year-old Indian archer, etched her name in history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian to reach the finals of an individual event at the Para World Championships. This remarkable achievement guarantees India at least a silver medal in the ongoing tournament, adding to their growing success.Pooja’s journey to the finals was marked by determination and resilience. Trailing 0-2 against Great Britain’s hazel Chaisty,she staged a stunning comeback,ultimately securing a 6-2 victory. Now, she stands on the cusp of becoming india’s first-ever para archery world champion, facing a formidable opponent in Italy’s Petrilli Vincenza later in the day.
The Indian contingent has a chance to add another medal to their tally, with Pooja and her teammate, the experienced Pooja Khanna, vying for bronze in the team event against Mongolia. This potential victory would mark India’s third medal at the championships, further solidifying their presence on the global stage.india’s success at this year’s championships builds upon a foundation laid in previous tournaments. The mixed duo of Shyam Sundar Swami and Jyoti Baliyan made history earlier by clinching India’s first-ever medal at the World Para Archery Championships, a silver. Prior to this, Rakesh Kumar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at both the 2017 Beijing and 2019 den Bosch championships, demonstrating India’s consistent progress in the sport.
Pooja’s path to the finals was paved with notable performances. Seeded fourth,she began her campaign with a decisive 7-1 victory over her compatriot,Pooja khanna. In the quarterfinals, she faced stiff competition from svetlana Barantseva but ultimately prevailed with a 6-4 scoreline.
A Chance at Gold: An Interview with Archery Champion Limba Ram
Pooja’s amazing feat at the Para World Championships has set the Indian sporting world ablaze, and rightfully so! To delve deeper into this historic moment and its impact on Indian archery, we spoke to Limba Ram, a legend in the sport and arjuna awardee, who himself represented India at the highest level for several years.
Interviewer: Limba ji, Pooja becoming the first Indian to reach the finals of an individual para archery event is a monumental achievement.What are your thoughts on her performance so far?
Limba ram: it’s truly inspiring to see pooja achieve this incredible milestone. Her determination and fighting spirit, especially coming from behind against Hazle Chaisty, were remarkable.It speaks volumes about her mental strength and the meticulous training she’s undergone. This is a proud moment for Indian archery indeed.
Interviewer: You know firsthand the dedication and discipline required to excel at this level. Do you see this success as a stepping stone towards more Indian archers, both able-bodied and para, making their mark on the international stage?
Limba Ram: Absolutely.Pooja’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of archers. When young athletes see someone from their own country achieve something so extraordinary, it fuels their dreams and aspirations. It proves that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Interviewer: India has been steadily progressing in para archery, with the mixed duo of Shyam Sundar Swami and Jyoti Baliyan securing India’s first medal earlier this year. Do you believe we are witnessing a turning point in the sport?
Limba Ram: I certainly hope so. This is a positive trend, and we need to capitalize on it. We need to invest more in infrastructure, provide better training facilities, and most importantly, provide opportunities for budding para archers to showcase their talent.
Interviewer: There’s a chance for another medal today with Pooja Khanna and Pooja teaming up for the bronze medal match. How vital is this team event for fostering camaraderie and boosting India’s position in the world rankings?
Limba Ram: Team events are crucial for building teamwork and national pride.
The camaraderie forged during these events is invaluable, and a medal would be a testament to the growing strength of indian para archery.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for Indian archery, both able-bodied and para, in the coming years?
Limba Ram: The future looks promising. we have talented archers emerging from all corners of the country. With the right support and guidance, I believe we can aim for even higher honors at the Paralympics and World Championships. We have the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of archery.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insightful comments, limba ji. I’m sure your words will resonate with aspiring archers across the country.
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What are your thoughts on pooja’s historic achievement? Do you think this is a turning point for Indian para archery? Share your opinions in the comments below!
