Indian Shooter Mona Agarwal Wins Silver, Secures 2028 Quota

Two years ago, Mona Agarwal missed securing a Paralympic quota by just 0.3 points, a heartbreak that stayed with her through every practice session. This week in Changwon, South Korea, she transformed that pain into triumph, winning silver in the women's 10m Air Rifle SH1 event and claiming India's first Paralympic quota place for LA 2028.

The 22-year-old finished with a score of 250.0, narrowly missing gold by just 0.2 points to Serbia's Kristina Trifunovic. But for Mona, this silver medal represents something far more valuable than the color on the podium.

"Last time in 2023, I was very nervous," Mona told RevSportz exclusively after her win. "I still have those memories fresh in my mind. I participated this time with all those learnings and I am happy that I could achieve whatever I wanted to."

The journey to this moment wasn't easy. During the 2024 New Delhi World Cup, Mona was told she had the last remaining quota spot, a "bacha-hua" (leftover) quota as she describes it. She considered even that a victory, but deep down, she wanted to earn her place at the front of the line.

India had double reason to celebrate that day. Two-time Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara also stepped onto the podium, claiming bronze with a score of 229.4. The duo's success marks another milestone in India's growing para shooting dominance on the world stage.

Why This Inspires

Mona's story reminds us that setbacks don't define us. Missing that quota by 0.3 points in 2023 could have crushed her spirit, but instead, it became fuel for her fire. She returned stronger, more focused, and ready to claim what she'd worked for.

Her goals stretch beyond this silver medal. "In 2028, I want the medal color to change into gold," she shared, adding that she's also targeting the 50m event for her first achievement in that category. She's not just satisfied with making it to LA 2028; she's planning to own the moment.

For young athletes facing their own 0.3-point losses, Mona's message rings clear: keep the memories fresh, learn from them, and let them push you forward.