Indian para shooter Mona Agarwal, hailing from the Sikar district of Rajasthan, has once again brought international acclaim to the nation by clinching a bronze medal at the Para Shooting World Cup held in Serbia. Competing in the women's R-2 10m Air Rifle Standing SH-1 event, she delivered a precise performance among world-class competitors. Beyond being a sporting achievement, this medal symbolizes her unwavering determination in overcoming societal prejudices, physical obstacles, and personal hardships.
Bronze in Serbia World Cup and the Landmark Paris Paralympic Glory
At the Para Shooting World Cup in Serbia, Mona Agarwal demonstrated exceptional focus and tactical discipline in the women's R-2 10m Air Rifle Standing SH-1 category. This victory adds another milestone to her distinguished career in international para sports. Previously, at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she secured a bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle SH-1 event, earning widespread acclaim. In recognition of her extraordinary athletic accomplishments and service to Indian sports, the Government of India honored her with the prestigious Arjuna Award. Building on this momentum, she went on to win a silver medal at the 2025 World Cup in Changwon, South Korea, before securing her latest podium finish in Serbia.
Early Sporting Journey: From Athletics to Women's Sitting Volleyball
Mona Agarwal's transformation into an elite international shooter is a story of continuous adaptation and resilience. Her entry into sports began in 2016 after discovering information about para sports on social media platforms. Inspired to make her mark, she initially took up athletics, competing in shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw. Her dedicated efforts yielded swift success as she won multiple medals at state-level competitions. Expanding her impact beyond individual events, Mona played a foundational role in establishing India's women's sitting volleyball team. She traveled across various states to motivate young women with disabilities, encouraging them to pursue sports as a pathway toward self-reliance and national representation.
Marriage, Powerlifting, and a Career-Defining Turn to Shooting
Following her marriage in 2018 to Ravindra Choudhary, Mona remained committed to her athletic ambitions. In 2021, she ventured into powerlifting and won a gold medal at the state level. However, pregnancy prevented her from competing at the national championship, presenting a challenging phase in her sports career. During this crucial juncture, her husband Ravindra Choudhary encouraged her to shift her focus to target shooting. Ravindra Choudhary, himself a former captain of the Rajasthan Wheelchair Basketball team, had suffered a severe brain injury in a road accident during the COVID era and has been undergoing a long recovery process. Accepting his guidance, Mona transitioned to shooting, a decision that propelled her career to unprecedented heights.
Paralympic Quota within Two and a Half Years and World Cup Victories
Upon dedicating herself to shooting, Mona Agarwal demonstrated rapid progress through relentless discipline. Within just two and a half years of formal practice, she earned an official quota for the Paralympic Games. She rapidly established her presence on the global circuit by securing gold, silver, and bronze medals across various World Cup competitions held in Croatia, South Korea, and New Delhi.
Balancing Secretariat Duties, Family Support, and National Pride
Originally a native of the Rani Sati Road area in Sikar, Mona currently resides in Jaipur. She balances her demanding sports career with her professional duties as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) at the Jaipur Secretariat. Managing a rigorous training schedule alongside her responsibilities as a mother of two children is made possible through the support of her mother-in-law, who cares for the children during her training and official duties. Mona attributes a significant portion of her achievement to her family's steadfast backing. Expressing her driving force, Mona Agarwal remarked, "When the Indian tricolor flies on foreign soil, it feels wonderful." She emphasized that she trains tirelessly for that single moment of national pride.
