Manish Narwal overcame the disappointment of not winning a medal at the P1 men’s 10m air pistol SH1 - despite topping the qualification - with a sensational come from behind victory in the P4 50m air pistol SH1 to claim the gold medal, ahead of his compatriot Singhraj Adhana. Adana himself won his second medal at Tokyo today after his bronze in the 10m pistol the week earlier.
Growing up, Manish Narwal dreamed of becoming a footballer and represent his country at the international stage. However, a congenital ailment in his right hand meant he couldn’t pursue his passion. It did hurt but Manish had his father for guidance and encouragement.
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Dilbagh Narwal, his father, was himself a wrestler and knew the importance of sports. They began their search for a sport that Manish could pursue and excel at. Eventually, he decided to take up shooting in 2016.
“I always wanted to be a footballer as I loved outdoor sports. But due to my disability, I couldn’t play the game beyond the local club level. A close friend of my father told him to think about introducing me to shooting. My father took me to the TenX shooting academy in Ballabgarh, run by coach Rakesh Thakur. Had he not been there, I wouldn’t have excelled in the sport. I owe my success to him," Manish told The Times of India in an interview