From scraping together coins for an archery racket to standing tall on the Paralympic podium—Manoj Sarkar’s odyssey captivates as a blueprint for triumph over adversity. The visually impaired archer’s bronze in Tokyo has become folklore in Indian sports.
Born into destitution in rural Bengal, Manoj faced visual impairment from childhood, compounded by family penury. Archery wasn’t accessible; he trained with borrowed, battered equipment. Hours of practice transformed his disability into strength, developing an uncanny sense of distance and wind.
Support trickled in slowly. State federations recognized his potential, funding trips and gear. Manoj’s ascent was swift: national championships fell like dominoes, followed by continental successes. By Tokyo, he was ranked among global elites in recurve archery.
The Paralympics semifinal was electric. Manoj’s arrows found bullseyes, securing bronze amid roaring crowds. This feat elevated India’s para-archery profile, drawing investments and attention to the sport.
Reflecting on his path, Manoj emphasizes mental fortitude. As a mentor now, he runs clinics for disabled youth, breaking cycles of disadvantage. His story underscores policy needs for early talent scouting in para-sports, positioning India strongly for upcoming global meets.