Paralympics 2024 in Paris: Mona Agarwal reveals: “My children asked me to enter my home address into the GPS and come back”

Mona Agarwal, a mother of two, cried every day at the shooting range when her children innocently claimed in video calls that she had forgotten the way home and had to enter the address into the GPS and turn back.

On Friday, 37-year-old Mona competed in her first Paralympics, winning the bronze medal in the women's 10m air rifle shooting event after battling for the gold medal in the final, which eventually went to India's Avani Lekhara.

After overcoming the hardships of being separated from her children and even financial problems, Mona finally fulfilled her dream and won a medal in a competition that, according to her, she didn't even know existed.

“When I came to training, I left my children at home. I was heartbroken,” Mona told the media.

“Every day I video-called them and they told me: 'Mumma, you forgot the way home. Please enter it into the GPS and come back!'”

“I used to cry every night when I talked to my kids… Then I started calling them once a week,” she said.

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Mona also recalled that she faced financial difficulties, among other hurdles.

“That was the hardest part for me, the financial crisis was another. I felt the financial burden that I took on to get here. But in the end, I overcame all the struggles and hurdles and was able to win a medal and I feel great,” she said.

“This is my first Paralympics. I only started shooting two and a half years ago and in that time I have reached this platform, performed at my best and achieved my (goal of winning a) medal,” Mona added.

Mona, who suffers from polio, said she left home in 2010 to pursue a career in sport, but she didn't know she had a chance at competitions like the Paralympics until 2016.

“Before 2016, I wasn't even aware that we could participate in any of the games. When I realized that I could, I tried to figure out which game I could participate in despite my disability and in which game I could perform at my best given my situation. After trying 3-4 games, I decided to go for shooting,” she said.

When asked how her family, neighbors and relatives were doing today, Mona said, “They are all very excited because in 2010 I left home just to pursue my dreams. There were objections like 'We won't accept your game' or 'We won't let you in.'”

“There were so many restrictions, but today they are all with me and are proud,” she said.

(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is taken from the feed of a syndicated news agency – PTI)