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Rubina Francis, a 24-year-old pistol shooter from India, has defied the odds to win a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Her journey to the podium is a testament to her unwavering determination and the power of human spirit. Diagnosed with rickets in her childhood, a condition that weakened her bones and made walking and even standing difficult, Rubina faced challenges that most children never encounter. Yet, her love for sports and her unwavering spirit fueled her desire to overcome these obstacles.
Inspired by Gagan Narang, a prominent Indian shooter who won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, Rubina found her niche in shooting. Though she experienced constant pain in her knees and legs, she never let it hinder her pursuit of excellence. The sport provided her with an outlet where her physical limitations were less of a factor, allowing her to focus on her mental fortitude and precision. Rubina’s journey started in 2015 at St. Aloysius School where she trained at Narang’s Gun for Glory centre. Her exceptional talent soon garnered attention, leading to her selection for the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy. However, her physical condition posed a unique challenge for her coaches.
Her bent knees caused instability and affected her pistol hand, resulting in shaking. To overcome this hurdle, her coaches devised a solution: custom-made shoes. These shoes helped stabilize her body and allowed her to control the movement of her pistol hand. Despite her physical limitations, Rubina’s talent shone through, and she eventually earned a spot on the Indian Para Shooting team. Her consistent performances in domestic competitions and her silver medal at the Peru Para World Cup in the P5 category propelled her into the second spot in the world rankings. This achievement secured her a bipartite quota for the Paris Paralympics, fulfilling a long-cherished dream.
Rubina’s victory in Paris is not just about a medal. It is a victory over adversity, a testament to her resilience and dedication. It shows that with the right support, determination, and a strong will, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone facing physical limitations, demonstrating that anything is possible with unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of one's dreams.
Source: Shooter Rubina Francis had rickets as a child, now she is a Paralympics bronze-medal winner