Shillong, June 18: Arjuna Awardee and renowned Indian para-archer Harvinder Singh has praised Meghalaya’s growing sporting ecosystem and encouraged young people to make sports an integral part of their lives.
During his recent visit to Shillong, Harvinder expressed admiration for the state’s scenic beauty, vibrant culture and emerging sporting talent. “I am visiting Shillong for the first time, and I am truly impressed by its beauty and vibrant culture. I hope to return again as a tourist,” he said while speaking to Meghalaya Sports.
Reflecting on his interactions with local athletes, the celebrated para-archer highlighted Meghalaya’s immense sporting potential and commended the state government’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and athlete development.
Harvinder Singh, from Haryana’s Kaithal district, is India’s top paralympic archer and the reigning World No. 1 in the Men’s Recurve Open division. He made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games by winning a bronze medal, securing India’s first-ever Paralympic medal in archery. He went one step further and did even better at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, by winning the gold medal, making Harvinder the first archer from India to ever win a gold medal at either the Olympic or Paralympic level. In 2025, he won double-gold at the Asian Para Archery Championships in Beijing, breaking the competition record with a personal best qualification score of 663 points.
He said Meghalaya’s medal tally at national competitions is likely to improve significantly in the coming years owing to the abundance of talent and the clear vision being pursued by the government.
“There is immense potential among Meghalaya’s athletes. I hope events like these inspire young sportspersons to represent the state and win medals,” he said.
Emphasising the broader value of sports, Harvinder said participation in sporting activities not only produces champions but also promotes fitness, discipline and a healthy lifestyle.
Encouraging youngsters to actively engage in sports, he urged them to spend more time on the field and pursue their dreams with dedication. “Come to the playground, stay fit, and if you develop an interest in sports, strive to play for Meghalaya and the country and bring home medals,” he added.
