In a tale that embodies the true spirit of perseverance, Manoj Sarkar, India’s Paralympic archer, rose from humble beginnings to etch his name in the annals of sporting history. Once unable to afford a basic archery racket, Sarkar’s journey to winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 stands as a testament to overcoming insurmountable odds.
Hailing from a modest family in Bardhaman, West Bengal, Manoj’s early life was marked by financial struggles. Archery, a sport requiring precision equipment, seemed like a distant dream. ‘There were days we couldn’t even buy rice, let alone sports gear,’ recalls a close family member. Yet, Manoj’s determination never wavered. He trained with makeshift equipment, honing his skills on open fields under the scorching sun.
The turning point came when local coaches spotted his raw talent. With support from state sports associations, Manoj finally got his hands on professional gear. His breakthrough at national levels paved the way for international exposure. By 2018, he was competing in world championships, consistently placing among the top contenders in the men’s individual recurve open category.
Tokyo 2020 proved to be his crowning moment. In a nail-biting men’s individual recurve open final, Manoj secured bronze, becoming only the second Indian archer after Deepthi Jeevanji to win Paralympic glory in archery. The medal not only fulfilled his lifelong dream but also inspired millions across India.
Today, Manoj serves as a coach, mentoring young archers from underprivileged backgrounds. His story transcends sport—it’s about resilience, opportunity, and the power of dreams. As India eyes Paris 2024 Paralympics, Manoj’s legacy continues to fuel the nation’s para-sports ambitions.