Para archer Singh receives Arvind Jolly Award, highlights change in India’s sporting landscape

Paris 2024 Paralympic Champion Harvinder Singh was awarded the Arvind Jolly Award for Excellence in Sports by the Rotary Club of Bombay, one of the pioneers of the rotary movement in India, at a ceremony on 26 November.

The award, one of many of its kind received by the Indian para archer since his historic achievement in September, was awarded in celebration of indomitable spirit of sportsmanship.

At the Invalides arena, Singh became the first ever Indian archer to win either Olympic or Paralympic gold when he won the recurve men’s individual title. The 33-year-old also had a bronze from Tokyo 2020, which already was India’s first medal in archery at either Games.

Singh’s incredible journey, coming out of Ajitnagar, a village in northern Indian state of Haryana, to winning the Paralympic gold, was part of a discussion preceding the award function. 

The champion archer stressed on the transformation of the sporting landscape in India, where para athletes are treated at par with able-bodied. 

“This would be a huge morale booster and encourage them to stay in the game,” he said, highlighting the improved facilities for para athletes, right from the grassroots level.

Having included mental training as part of his training process for several years now, Singh explained how mental strength was as vital as physical training and played a significant role in his progression.

“There are no losers in sport. Only winners and learners,” concluded Singh, insisting that every defeat is a “learning experience”. 

The top para archer is getting ready for the new season, hoping to continue his great form in 2025, and pointing to the World Archery Para Championships in September as one of his major goals.

In 2021, Singh had become the first para archer in history to be recognised with the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting honour of India, recognising outstanding achievements in sports.