Indian para-shooter Rubina Francis has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning the bronze medal in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event. With an impressive score of 211.1, Rubina is the first Indian woman to secure a medal in pistol shooting at the Paralympics. Her success marks a significant milestone in Indian para-shooting.
Early Life and Challenges
Rubina Francis was born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a lower-middle-class family. From a young age, she faced significant challenges due to leg dysfunction. Despite financial hardships, Rubina’s determination never wavered. Inspired by Olympic shooter Gagan Narang, she began her journey in shooting in 2015.
Path to Success
In 2017, Rubina joined the Gun for Glory Academy in Pune, supported by her father, Simon Francis. With the mentorship of Jai Prakash Nautiyal and later Jaspal Rana, she honed her skills. Her pivotal moment came after the 2018 France World Cup, which intensified her focus and led to a Paralympic quota at the Lima 2021 World Cup. This success allowed her to make a historic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Achievements and Milestones
Rubina’s career includes several notable accomplishments:
- 2020 Paralympic Games: 7th place in P2 10m Air Pistol.
- 2022 Asian Para Games: Bronze in P2 10m Air Pistol.
- 2023 Osijek World Cup: Silver in P2 10m Air Pistol; Bronze in P5 Mixed 10m Air Pistol.
- 2023 Changwon World Cup: Silver in P2 Team 10m Air Pistol and P5 Mixed 10m Air Pistol; Bronze in P2 10m Air Pistol.
- 2022 Changwon World Cup: Silver in P2 Team 10m Air Pistol; Bronze in P2 10m Air Pistol and P6 Mixed Team.
- 2022 Chateauroux World Cup: Gold in P6 Mixed Team; Silver in P2 Team 10m Air Pistol; Bronze in P2 10m Air Pistol.
A Historic Achievement
Rubina Francis’s bronze medal at Paris 2024 is a landmark achievement for Indian para-sports. Her journey from overcoming early struggles to reaching the global stage is truly inspirational. This success not only highlights her dedication but also paves the way for future para-athletes in India.
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