Tokyo Paralympics: Ace Shooter From MP Secures Olympic Spot While Creating World Record


Tokyo Paralympics: Ace Shooter From MP Secures Olympic Spot While Creating World Record

Rubina Francis secures a spot at the Tokyo Paralympics

Shooter Rubina Francis from Madhya Pradesh recently took part in the World Shooting Para Sport Cup that was held in Peru. The shooter created history as she set a new world record and also won a gold medal in the 10 m air pistol event.

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The 21 year old marked a score of 238.1, beating Aysegul Pehlivanlar of Turkey to win the gold medal. This also meant that she has successfully secured a spot in the Paralympic quota this year for the Tokyo Paralympics.

Rubina has Tackled Several Challenges to Finally Secure a Spot at the Tokyo Paralympics

Rubina Francis
Rubina Francis

Rubina started learning shooting in 2006, in a camp that was organised in Jabalpur. She practiced there for 10 long years, before she moved to Bhopal. In 2017, she started shooting and practicing at the MP Shooting Academy.

Her father, Simone Francis told Hindustan Times, “She is a special child who turned her weakness into her strength [Rubina has a disability in her leg] and fought hard.”

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Her father is a mechanic by profession, “Initially, we faced hardships as I didn’t have money to even afford petrol to take her to the academy in Jabalpur. I used to wait for hours during her practice session as I couldn’t afford to commute twice to the academy. Later, her mother started working at a private hospital to fulfil basic needs.”

Rubina Francis has won more then 15 national as well as international medals in shooting. She was praised by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia on social media.

Also read: Tokyo Olympics Full Schedule: Here is India’s schedule at the Summer Games