Mona Agarwal is set to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award from President of India, Sri Droupadi Murmu, on January 17th, 2025. The Arjuna Award is given for her appreciation of her brilliant performances and excellence in para-shooting.
A Bit More About The Arjuna Award
It is annually presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Arjuna Award was India’s most prestigious honor for athletes till the inception of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 1991-1992. Requests for the award are accepted from each of the sport’s bodies recognized by the government, National Sports Federations, Indian Olympic Association, SAI, Sports Promotion and Control Boards, state governments and past winners.
Who Is Mona Agarwal?
Mona Agarwal is one of the fastest-emerging para-shooters in the world sporting arena. She made a grand assertion by bagging a bronze medal in R2 Women 10m Air Rifle SH1 during the 2024 Paralympics.
Mona Agarwal’s Early Life
Mona Agarwal was born on 8 November 1987 in Sikar, Rajasthan. She suffered from polio at nine months of age, which paralyzed her lower limbs, however, she didn’t give up on education. Mona Agarwal completed her graduation in arts and then pursued a master’s degree in psychology through distance learning.
Mona Agarwal’s First Attempt At Para-Sports
Mona Agarwal, at the age of 23 made a bold decision to leave home and build an independent life. She worked very hard in HR and marketing roles and now has many stories to tell on the several hurdles she went through to achieve success. In 2016, Mona Agarwal focused more on para-athletics. Mona made her State debut in throw events where she grabbed gold in all three categories. Mona Agarwal also did her para powerlifting at the State level, earning multiple medals.
Mona Agarwal – A Real Life All-Rounder
Apart from this success in her sporting career, Mona Agarwal has been a trendsetter for women’s sitting volleyball in India. She had led the Rajasthan State team to gold in the first-ever National Sitting Volleyball Championship for women in 2019. Mona Agarwal was also picked for an international tournament, however, could not take part as she was pregnant then.
When Did Mona Agarwal Come Across Para-Shooting?
From December 2021, Mona Agarwal started shooting with rifles, a sport she took up as an individual. By the end of 2022, her potential was set in stone when she bagged the silver medal at the national level. By mid-2023, Mona Agarwal had won a bronze medal in the mixed team event in her first international World Cup and stood 6th at the Asian Para Games 4th edition. In her fourth international event, she finally won gold medals and Paralympic quota with an Asian record. Indeed such an incredible feat has really cemented her as a para-shooter among the top gunners on the international arena.
Indian Government’s Support To Mona Agarwal
The Indian Government played a very pivotal role in making Mona Agarwal a parashooter through various vital programs such as Khelo India and the National Centre of Excellence. This gave them much-needed financial support. By opting for such schemes, Mona Agarwal availed herself of all high-class facilities- stay and training at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi. She was provided with all necessary sports equipment and accessories for the training. This total support has been very crucial in enabling Mona Agarwal to find her field and continue her vision of competing for India in the Paralympics.
This makes Mona Agarwal’s story of sheer grit and accomplishment. Really such achievements by way of para-shooting make her certainly a capable candidate for the Arjuna Award. The President Of India & Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports must feel very proud to present the Arjuna Award to Mona Agarwal on January 17, 2025.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye