Sarita Adhana
Sarita Adhana
Sarita Adhana: India’s Inspiring Para-Archer at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Sarita Adhana, born on January 1, 1987, is a para-archer from Haryana, India, specializing in the compound archery category. Despite facing physical challenges early in life due to polio, Sarita has carved out a remarkable journey through sheer determination and passion for sport.
Early Life and Entry into Archery
Growing up in a modest household in Haryana, Sarita faced the life-altering impact of polio in her childhood, which left her with a permanent disability in her legs. However, her spirit remained unshaken. Determined to pursue athletics in some form, she discovered archery in 2009 and quickly developed a deep connection with the sport. Archery became not just a competitive pursuit but a way to reclaim her independence and push past the limitations imposed by her condition.
Career Highlights
Over the years, Sarita has consistently proven her talent on the national and international stage. Some of her most significant achievements include:
Silver Medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games (Hangzhou, China): Sarita narrowly missed out on gold in the women’s compound open event, finishing with a strong score of 139 against her opponent’s 141.
Gold Medal at the 2023 Para Archery World Championship: Partnering with fellow Indian archer Rakesh Kumar, she triumphed in the mixed team compound event. The duo defeated the Chinese team in a high-pressure final with a score of 152–146.
Bronze Medal at the 2023 Asian Para Archery Championships (Bangkok): In an all-Indian face-off, Sarita bested teammate Jyoti Baliyan 139–135 to claim bronze. This win was crucial in helping her qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Paris 2024 Paralympics Performance
At the Paris Paralympics, Sarita competed in the women’s individual compound category. She finished 9th in the ranking round with an impressive score of 682. Although she was knocked out in the quarterfinals, her performance was a proud moment for Indian para-sports and added to her legacy as one of the country’s leading para-archers.
Impact and Legacy
Sarita’s journey is one of resilience, grit, and quiet strength. She has emerged as a powerful role model—not just for para-athletes, but for anyone facing obstacles in life. Her story is proof that determination can transcend physical limitations and that success is possible when one refuses to give up.
With every arrow she releases, Sarita Adhana continues to inspire countless others, reminding the world that true strength lies in perseverance and passion.
madhu vedwan
Archer Madhu Vedwan, a member of the silver medal-winning team at the Asian Archery Championships, has praised the Khelo India University Games for their role in preparing athletes for international competitions. She highlighted that the event is organized to international standards, providing athletes with the experience needed to perform confidently on the global stage. Vedwan emphasized that such competitions help athletes overcome nervousness in international events by offering a platform that mirrors the scale and organization of major tournaments like the Asian Games.
Hailing from a village in Uttar Pradesh, Vedwan credits her family’s support for her success in archery. She expressed that pursuing a career in sports, especially archery, was a significant step for her family, and their encouragement has been pivotal in her journey.
Looking ahead, Vedwan aims to win a medal at the Paris Olympics, viewing it as a means to bring glory to her country. She began practicing archery in 2012 without knowing the career prospects it held, but over time, her goal has been to achieve excellence and represent India on the world stage.
