'Focused more on performing than winning': Paralympics champion Harvinder Singh

Para archer Harvinder Singh, who scripted history by winning a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, is set to be awarded with Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, which will make him India's first para archer to be bestowed with this prestigious honour.

- AGENCIES

Reflecting on his mindset during the gold medal match at the Paris Paralympics, Singh emphasized that his focus was never on winning but on delivering a strong performance.

"As soon as I won the semifinals, I was very happy. I got an upgrade from the previous medal (Tokyo 2020 bronze). I told my coach that I didn't want to lose my momentum. We sat quietly in our tent, talking to each other. My phone was off the whole day. I wanted to talk to my family, but I couldn't," Singh told the media.

He further added, "My focus was to perform well in the finals. If I perform well, I will win the gold medal. I focused more on performing than winning the medal, and I was successful in it."

The final match was not without its challenges, especially due to external conditions. However, Singh ensured he was well-prepared.

"Yes, I did face challenges. My first match was a little difficult for me, but during that match, I observed the wind's direction and how it affected the arrows. When my teammates were competing before me, I was sitting there, noting everything down. This helped me a lot," he explained.