In India, athletes often face an uphill battle to make a name for themselves, especially when they come from smaller towns or are involved in sports other than cricket. For para-athletes, these challenges are even more daunting. Yet, despite these obstacles, the country has seen a steady rise in the number of athletes excelling in para-sports. Among these inspiring stories is that of Rubina Francis, a young woman who overcame financial struggles and physical challenges to create history at the Paris Paralympics.
Early Life and Challenges
Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old shooter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, recently made headlines by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol SH-1 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This victory was not just a personal achievement but a historic moment for India, as Rubina became the first Indian woman to win a medal in pistol shooting at the Paralympics.
Rubina’s journey to success was anything but easy. Born with weak and crooked legs, she faced difficulties even in walking properly. Her family’s financial situation added to the challenges. Her father, Simon, worked as a mechanic, running a small bike repair shop in Jabalpur. The income from this job was barely enough to make ends meet, let alone fund Rubina’s budding interest in shooting.
Discovering a Passion for Shooting
Rubina’s love for shooting was sparked unexpectedly. During her school days, Gagan Narang’s shooting academy, Gun for Glory, conducted trials at her school. It was here that Rubina first encountered the sport that would soon become her passion. She joined the academy and began training, showing significant improvement within a year.
However, the financial strain on her family worsened when the local Municipal Corporation demolished her father’s shop. With their primary source of income gone, Rubina’s father began repairing motorcycles from house to house. Despite these efforts, the financial burden became too heavy, and Rubina had to leave the academy.
A Turning Point
Recognizing Rubina’s growing passion for shooting, her family did everything they could to support her. Their perseverance paid off when Rubina gained admission to the State Shooting Academy in Bhopal. Here, the state government covered her training expenses, allowing her to continue her journey in the sport. With dedicated practice and determination, Rubina started making a name for herself in national and international competitions.
Rising Through the Ranks
Rubina’s hard work soon began to bear fruit. She became India’s number-one female shooter in para-shooting and qualified for the 2018 Para Asian Games. Her success on the international stage continued, and in 2021, she set a world record at the Para Sport Cup in Peru with a score of 238.1 points, securing her spot at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Though her debut at the Tokyo Paralympics did not result in a medal—Rubina finished seventh in the final—she did not let this setback deter her. Instead, it fueled her determination to succeed. Three years later, she fulfilled her dream by winning a bronze medal in Paris, a testament to her resilience and dedication.
The Role of Mentorship and Support
Throughout her journey, Rubina received crucial support from former Olympic medalist and Indian shooting legend Gagan Narang. His guidance, along with the backing of the State Shooting Academy, played a pivotal role in her development as an athlete. However, it was Rubina’s relentless spirit and her family’s unwavering support that truly propelled her to greatness.
A Historic Victory
Rubina Francis’s bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is a symbol of her hard-fought journey. Finishing third with 211.1 points in the final, she not only made her mark in the history books but also contributed to India’s growing medal tally at the Games.
Rubina’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and the right support, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. Her journey from a small town in Madhya Pradesh to the world stage in Paris is an inspiration to countless young athletes across the country.
