Poverty once forced Paralympic archer Manoj Sarkar to practice without a proper bow, but his grit turned him into India’s pride. The 42-year-old from West Bengal clinched a historic bronze at Tokyo Paralympics, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.
Manoj’s archery journey began amid hardship. Growing up in a poor household, basic needs trumped sports aspirations. He crafted rudimentary bows from bamboo and practiced relentlessly, targeting makeshift marks on trees. Neighbors remember him as the boy who never missed, rain or shine.
A chance encounter with a coach changed everything. Scholarships and government aid provided the equipment he craved. Manoj dominated domestic circuits, winning multiple national golds. His international debut silenced doubters—silver at the 2018 Asian Para Games showcased his mettle.
The Paralympic stage amplified his story. Facing world-class competitors, Manoj’s precision shots under pressure earned India its first archery medal in Paralympics history. Post-victory, he shared, ‘This medal is for every child dreaming big despite empty pockets.’
Now coaching at national academies, Manoj identifies talent in rural areas, ensuring others don’t face his early struggles. His narrative resonates in India’s growing para-sports ecosystem, highlighting the need for grassroots support. With medals pouring in from recent events, Sarkar’s path lights the way for future champions.
