Mona Agarwal’s journey to the Paralympics podium is nothing short of a cinematic tale. Recently, she secured a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, marking a significant achievement in her life. Hailing from Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona’s early life was fraught with challenges. At just nine months old, she suffered a reaction to the polio vaccine, and soon after, she was abandoned by her parents, deemed the ‘unwanted’ third child. Raised by her maternal grandparents, Mona learned early on how to face adversity. Her husband, Ravindra Chaudhary, a former wheelchair basketball player, sustained a brain injury in an accident and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at home. After winning the coveted Paralympics medal, she wants to contribute to the society, take the paralympic movement forward, something she has been a part of quite actively.
In 2010, at the age of 23, she made the bold decision to become financially independent. She took up a job and decided to live on her own. This choice wasn’t welcomed by her grandfather, but Mona left her home and pursued her dreams. By 2015, she was doing well in the corporate sector, climbing the ranks. However, something was missing. “It was not something I wanted,” she shared in an interview with RevSportz.
Mona’s entry into para sports came in 2016 when she started competing in athletics, including javelin, shot put, and discus throw. “While playing the sport, I realized the lack of women’s participation in para sports,” she reflected. Determined to change this, she traveled across India, encouraging young girls and their families to consider para sports.
One of her most impactful initiatives was founding a sitting volleyball team in Rajasthan, where she gathered players from different parts of the state. Her efforts bore fruit when the team won gold at the nationals, and seven of its members, including Mona, were offered government jobs based on that victory. “Today, the team exists on its own, and many girls are now independent because of that team in Rajasthan,” she proudly shared. “I’m thinking about how I can actively be a part of this movement again, to give back to society.”
After her bronze medal win in Paris, Mona spoke to RevSportz about the financial struggles she had faced. Friends lent her money so she could purchase the necessary equipment for her sport. Winning the medal has not only brought her immense pride but also relief from those financial burdens. “I am really happy I could win the medal,” she said. “It’ll bail me out of the financial crisis, and its value is so much more than just the medal for my family.”
Her return to India after the Paralympics was met with warm celebrations, but the grandest reception awaited her in Kalba, her in-laws’ village in Mahendragarh district, Haryana. A region not previously known for producing medallists, the village embraced Mona as a hero. “They were so proud that their ‘bahu’ won a medal on the greatest podium,” she said, recalling the rally held in her honour.
Mona’s love for shooting developed after trying athletics. “The shooting academy where I train is about 500 meters from my home,” she explained. Despite the high costs associated with the sport, Mona was undeterred. “I told my coach about my financial situation, and he said he wouldn’t take his fees.” She expressed deep gratitude to her coach, Yogesh Sikhawat, and the Eklavya Shooting Academy for believing in her.
“After the medal, when I first spoke to him (Sikhawat), I remember his statement, ‘We did it,’” Mona recalled. “This medal is as special to him as it is to me. Perhaps this is India’s only shooter-academy story where they stayed together from day one to the medal day. Our journey from zero to hero was together.”
Throughout her journey, Mona’s friends were her support system. They lent her money for shooting gear, never pressuring her to pay it back. “All my friends who supported me haven’t asked for their money back. They told me to celebrate now, forgetting about the money,” she said. “I’m grateful to them. After my medal, they told me they had faith in me.”
Her Paralympic medal win has opened new doors, but Mona remains focused on continuing to advocate for para sports. “I can see much greater awareness and knowledge among people regarding para sports,” she noted. Not only has awareness increased, but acceptance as well. “I’ve seen people encouraging others with children who could participate in para sports, showing them that it’s an option for a better lifestyle.”
Mona also spoke about the continuous celebrations surrounding her victory. She was especially moved by the support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been known for celebrating the achievements of both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. “He has been the biggest inspiration as the leader of the country,” she said. “The way he has shown support, tweeting about every individual medal and calling athletes personally despite his busy schedule, makes you feel important.”
Although Mona also competed in the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, she did not reach the podium. Reflecting on that experience, she recalled a moment that fueled her determination: “After Hangzhou, when we went to the Prime Minister’s house, I couldn’t meet him personally. Winning a medal in Paris was my way of making that dream come true.” When she finally met the Prime Minister in person after her Paralympic success, it felt like a “dream come true.”
Apart from the PM House, there was a grand celebration at Antilla, the Ambani Residence, two days ago. It was a gala event with more than 140 athletes from India’s 2024 Olympic and Paralympic contingent, and Bollywood celebrities. “It was another dream come true moment to be a part of this event,” she said. “There were Bollywood celebrities, and the best part was that Olympians and Paralympians were celebrated under one roof.”
“The arrangements made by the Ambani family were top-notch, and the respect and love shown to us were priceless,” added Mona. She praised Mrs. Nita Ambani for the support she has shown to the Indian Olympic and Paralympic movement and hopes it’ll bring more success in the future.
As she sets her sights on the future, Mona is already planning for major upcoming events, including the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will feature shooting para sport. “My ultimate dream is to stand on the highest podium in LA 2028,” she concluded.