Rubina Francis Shines with Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya applaud para-shooter Rubina Francis for winning a bronze medal in the P2 - Women's 10M Air Pistol SH-1 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Rubina's remarkable performance brings pride to India as she secures this outstanding achievement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated para-shooter Rubina Francis for securing a bronze medal at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, lauding the athlete for turning the shooting range into a 'stage of glory.' Rubina finished third in the P2 - Women's 10M Air Pistol SH-1 final on Saturday.

PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Rubina's 'exceptional focus, determination, and perseverance' which resulted in her 'outstanding results.' He expressed pride for India, stating, 'Yet another proud moment for India as @Rubina_PLY wins a Bronze in the P2 - Women's 10M Air Pistol SH1 event at the #Paralympics2024. Her exceptional focus, determination, and perseverance have given outstanding results. #Cheer4Bharat.'

Likewise, Sports Minister Mandaviya praised Rubina for her historic achievement, noting she is the first Indian female to secure a para-shooting medal in pistol events and only the third woman to win a para-shooting medal. Mandaviya tweeted, 'Rubina Francis, you've turned the shooting range into a stage of glory! Many congratulations on securing a bronze medal in the P2 Women's 10M Air Pistol SH1 at the #Paralympics2024. What makes this victory even more special is that it makes you the 1st Indian female to win a shooting medal in Pistol events and only 3rd to win a medal in Shooting events. Your journey from practice to podium is an inspiration for all! #Cheer4Bharat.'

In the final, Rubina accumulated 211.1 points, with Javanmardi Sareh of Iran taking gold (236.8 points) and Turkey's Ozgan Aysel winning silver (231.1 points). India's impressive performance in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics saw them winning 5 shooting medals, including 2 gold, a silver, and two bronze.

Earlier, Rubina finished sixth in the qualification round of P2 - Women's 10M Air Pistol SH-1, securing 556 points in six rounds.

In other events, reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women's 10m air rifle final with 249.7 points. Indian shooter Mona Agarwal bagged a bronze in the same event. South Korea's Yunri Lee won silver with 246.8 points.

Additionally, India celebrated more wins as Manish Narwal won a silver medal in the men's P1 10m air pistol SH1 competition. Athlete Preethi Pal secured a bronze in the women's T35 100m race, clocking a personal best of 14.21 seconds.

(With inputs from agencies.)