Harvinder Singh returns to Beijing in emotional quest for redemption
Memories are set to resurface and emotions are bound to run high as Harvinder Singh returns to the venue that launched his international career – the China Administration for Sports for Persons with Disabilities in Beijing – for the 2025 Asia Para Archery Championships.
The para-dedicated centre on the outskirts of China’s capital will host the continental event from 1 to 6 July, eight years after Singh made his senior debut at the 2017 World Archery Para Championships at the same site.
“I have fond memories of the championships and the venue where I made my international debut,” said Singh. “I had a seventh-place finish then – I hope to put up an improved show in the venue, this time.”
Now 34, Singh is a two-time Paralympic medallist and the first Indian archer ever to win gold at either the Olympic or Paralympic Games, climbing the podium in Paris last summer. He will lead a 14-strong Indian squad in Beijing that also includes Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar.
“The goal is to analyse my preparations that I’ve done for the World [Archery Para] Championships and next year’s Asian Para Games,” said Singh, who has previously won recurve men’s team silver (2023) and bronze (2019) at the Asian Para Championships – both alongside teammate Vivek Chikara.
The Asian Championships will be Singh’s second international event of 2025, following a successful campaign at the Asia Para Cup in Bangkok, where he claimed two gold medals in the recurve men’s team – with Dhanna Ram Godara – and mixed team – with Pooja – along with individual bronze.
“The long-term goal is to win a medal at the world championships,” said Singh, emphasising that it’s the only major achievement missing from his career. "I hope I can win my first world medal in Gwangju this time. I will give it all.”
Undoubtedly, Singh’s most memorable moment came with his gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The time since has been the busiest of his life.
But the 34-year-old has no complaints – in fact, he says he’s enjoying this chapter. He’s been reconnecting with friends and family, giving motivational speeches, attending award functions, and taking part in commercial engagements.
Among his many accolades, Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, becoming the first Indian para archer to receive the honour. It is India’s fourth-highest civilian award, behind only the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan. Fellow archers Deepika Kumari and Tarundeep Rai were recognised with the award in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
“My life is very busy now. I’m socialising more, and people recognise me more than ever. I’m enjoying it, and I’ve been able to balance it well alongside my training,” said Singh, who continues to train at Patiala with longtime coach Gaurav Sharma.
“These honours are definitely a big boost to my preparation for the big goal – the LA28 Paralympic Games.”
Singh added that the experience of juggling training and public life isn’t new to him. It began after his historic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 – India’s first-ever Paralympic medal in archery.
As a tribute to his achievements, an archery academy has been established in the town of Cheeka, just three kilometres from Singh’s hometown of Kaithal, in Haryana. Today, it trains around 40 young archers.
“The most touching moment is when young kids come up to me and say they’ve seen me on TV and want to play or train with me,” he said. “Knowing that my medal has inspired someone – that’s the greatest reward of all.”
Inherently calm and composed by nature, Singh’s steady mindset has always set him apart on the field – giving him an edge when it matters most.
He recognises that this inner balance has become one of his defining traits in pressure situations.
“One should have the courage to digest victory and accept defeat,” he stressed. “I already had the composure from the beginning, and over time, it has only been shaped and sharpened.”
Singh’s seventh-place finish at his international debut in 2017 didn’t discourage him – it motivated him to work harder.
Just one year later, at only his third international competition, he broke through with a gold medal in the recurve men’s individual event at the Indonesia 2018 Asian Para Games – India’s first-ever gold in archery at the continental level.
“That gold was the turning point in my career,” he recalled. “It was a mix of joy and sorrow – I won the medal just days after losing my mother.”
“The Asian Para Games always inspire me. They remind me of how I overcame one of the toughest moments in my life and emerged stronger.”
That personal resilience continues to shape Singh’s journey – and could be the strength he draws on as he faces the challenges ahead.
