Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old para-athlete from Jabalpur, has etched her name in Paralympic history by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 event in Paris. Her journey to the podium has been marked by unwavering determination and resilience, overcoming the challenges posed by her physical condition.
Born with talipes, commonly known as club foot, Rubina faced difficulties in maintaining stability while shooting. However, her unwavering dream of emulating her idol, Olympic silver medalist Gagan Narang, fueled her spirit. Despite the obstacles, she persevered, finding innovative solutions to overcome her physical limitations.
With the support of her coaches, JP Nautiyal and Subhash Rana, Rubina devised a technique that allowed her to stand and shoot with the aid of special shoes. This breakthrough enabled her to focus on her aim and improve her accuracy.
Rubina’s journey to the Paralympics began in 2015 when she joined the MP Shooting Academy. Under the guidance of her mentors, she honed her skills and set her sights on securing a Paralympic quota. Her hard work paid off in 2018 when she participated in the France World Cup, realizing the importance of intensive training.
In 2021, Rubina’s dedication bore fruit as she won a silver medal at the Para World Championships in Lima, Peru, and a bronze at the Para Asian Games in China. These achievements propelled her to the Paris Paralympics, where she made history as India’s first female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal.
Rubina’s success is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of her family and coaches. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
