HEAD: 31_Bho_RS_MP’s Rubina shoots bronze at Paralympics

Bhopal: Rubina Francis, a para shooting player from Madhya Pradesh, has brought immense pride to her state and country by securing a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite born with a problem in both legs, Rubina's unwavering dedication and hard work have led her to this remarkable achievement, making her the second athlete from MP to bring laurels to the country in August 2024, following Vivek Sagar, who was part of Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. This is for the first time that any player from the state has won a medal in Para-Olympics. Rubina's journey to success began when she joined the State Sports Academy in 2017 after starting her career at the Gun for Glory academy in Jabalpur. She narrowly missed out on a medal in her first Olympic appearance in Tokyo, but her determination and perseverance never wavered. In the Paris Paralympics, Rubina secured the bronze with a score of 211.1 points, while Javanmardi S. of Iran and Ozgan A. of Turkey clinched the gold and silver medals, respectively. This was India's fifth medal at the Paris Paralympics and the fourth in para-shooting, highlighting the country's growing prowess in the sport.Hailing from Jabalpur, Rubina's family has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. Her father, Simon Francis, a 62-year-old mechanic, expressed his immense pride in his daughter's achievement, attributing it to her nine years of dedication. "She has made all of us proud. She is my star," said Francis, beaming with joy. Rubina's mother, Sunita Francis, is a nurse, and her elder brother, Alexander, is a private firm employee, all of whom have stood by her side through thick and thin.Rubina's talent and consistency have been evident throughout her career. She has set the junior record twice (2017 and 2028) and even matched the world record once in France in 2018. Her impressive tally of 6 medals in international competitions and 17 medals at the national level is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to her craft.The significance of Rubina's achievement extends beyond personal glory. Sports minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang congratulated Rubina Francis on her historic feat, emphasizing that she has become a new role model for the state by winning a medal despite facing adverse conditions. Her success story serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, particularly those facing challenges in their lives, proving that with determination and hard work, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness, Sarang said. Rubina's bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is not just a personal triumph but also a source of immense pride for Madhya Pradesh and India as a whole. It showcases the state's and country's commitment to nurturing and supporting talent, regardless of the challenges they may face. Rubina's journey from Jabalpur to the international stage is a shining example of the power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of family and the sporting community.