Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old para shooter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has made history by winning India’s fifth medal at the Paris Paralympics. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event, becoming the country’s first female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal.
Early Life and Career
Rubina was born with talipes, also known as club foot, which made it difficult for her to stand steady while shooting. Despite this challenge, she was determined to pursue her passion for shooting and began training at the MP Shooting Academy in 2015.
The Struggle to Stay Steady
Rubina’s coach, JP Nautiyal, recalled that she initially struggled to shoot while standing due to her club foot condition. Even sitting did not solve the problem, as she would still experience difficulties with balance and stability.
“We tried making her sit and shoot, but that would not be perfect,” Nautiyal said in an exclusive chat. “She had a score of 386 in the nationals in 2016, and we took her to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates for the World Cup in February 2017. She was a junior back then, she not only reached the final but also made a junior world record.”
Overcoming Adversity
Rubina’s journey to success was not without its challenges. She faced significant obstacles, including financial difficulties and the need for specialized equipment to accommodate her disability. However, with the support of her parents and coaches, she persevered and continued to work towards her goal.
The Turning Point
The turning point in Rubina’s career came when she began working with renowned coach Jaspal Rana’s younger brother, Subhash. Under his guidance, she began to improve her posture and balance, which significantly impacted her shooting accuracy.
Achievements
Rubina’s hard work and determination have paid off, as she has achieved numerous accolades in her career. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics in the women’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event
- Silver medal at the Para World Championships at Lima (Peru)
- Bronze medal at the Para Asian Games in China
- Junior world record in the 10m air pistol event at the World Cup in Al Ain (UAE)
The Paralympics Event
Rubina competed in the women’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics, where she faced stiff competition from other talented shooters. Despite the challenges, she remained focused and determined, ultimately securing a bronze medal with a score of 211.1.
The Competition
The women’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics saw a strong field of competitors, including Iran’s Sareh Javanmardi and Turkey’s Aysel Ozgan. Javanmardi, a three-time Paralympic champion, won the gold medal with a score of 236.8, while Ozgan took the silver medal with a score of 231.1.
Rubina’s Achievement at Paralympics
Rubina’s bronze medal win is a significant achievement for India, marking the country’s fifth medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication, as well as the support of her coaches and family.
Quotes from Rubina
After her win, Rubina expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “There was nervousness at the start of the Qualification. It was difficult, things were not going as I wanted. I spoke to my coach and before the final he reminded me what I needed to do. He suggested me not to think about result, medal or what people will say. He said ‘do it for yourself’, that worked very well for me and I got the result.”
When asked about her message for female athletes, Rubina said, “Chase your dreams, go for it, even if you have to fight for it. You can do it. Do not give up. Have faith in yourself.”
Conclusion
Rubina Francis is an inspiration to millions, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. Her journey from struggling to stay steady to becoming a Paralympic medalist is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for shooting. As India’s first female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal, Rubina has made history and paved the way for future generations of para-athletes.
FAQ’s
Q: Who is Rubina Francis?
A: Rubina Francis is a 25-year-old para shooter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Q: What is Rubina's disability?
A: Rubina was born with talipes, also known as club foot, which makes it difficult for her to stand steady while shooting.
Q: What event did Rubina win a medal in at the Paris Paralympics?
A: Rubina won a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol (SH1) event at the Paris Paralympics.
Q: Is Rubina the first Indian female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal?
A: Yes, Rubina is the first Indian female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal.
