Harvinder Singh Shines at Paris Games - Advances to Men's Recurve Open Pre-Quarterfinals

Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist Harvinder Singh defeated Tseng Lung-Hui of Chinese Taipei to reach the men's recurve open pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Games. Despite early life challenges due to dengue, Harvinder thrived in archery, earning India's first-ever archery medal at the Tokyo Paralympics and continues to pursue a Ph.D. in economics.

Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist Harvinder Singh outclassed Tseng Lung-Hui of Chinese Taipei with a 7-3 victory, advancing to the men's recurve open pre-quarterfinals at the ongoing Paris Games on Wednesday.

Harvinder, India's sole Paralympics medal-winning archer, drew the first set 25-25 before triumphing the second set 27-26, establishing a 3-1 lead.

Although Lung-Hui displayed an impressive performance in the third set, winning 29-26 and leveling the scores at 3-3, he stumbled in subsequent sets. Harvinder capitalized on this, securing the next two sets 24-23 and 25-17 to clinch his last-16 berth.

Despite contracting dengue at a young age and losing leg function due to treatment side effects, Harvinder's family, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, turned their farm into an archery range to foster his talent.

Debuting at the 2017 Para Archery World Championship, Harvinder garnered a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games and made history at Tokyo by winning India's first archery Paralympic medal. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in economics alongside his sporting endeavors.

(With inputs from agencies.)