Tezzbuzz DeskDifficult situations in life can break a person, but some people make these challenges their strength and set new examples. The story of Indian para archer Toman Kumar is also similar. Toman, who once campaigned against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, is today winning gold medals for India in the world of sports. At the Para Asian Games 2026, she along with Shital Devi won the gold medal in the mixed para archery event. On Thursday, October 22, the fifth day of the Para Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Indian pair defeated Teodora Audi Ayudia Farelli and Ken Swagumilang of Indonesia by the score of 151-148. The top seed Indian team maintained the lead in the match from the beginning and won by a margin of three points. This is India's 16th gold medal in the Para Asian Games 2026. With this victory, India secured fourth position in the medal table. At the same time, this is India's first gold medal this year in Para Archery.

Toman Kumar and Sheetal Devi had performed brilliantly even before the final. Both of them created a new world record by scoring 1,402 points in the qualification round. This score was two points more than the previous record. Sheetal Devi comes from Jammu and Kashmir and was born without hands. She handles the compound bow with the help of her feet and legs and uses her shoulders and jaw to pull and release the bow string. The story of Toman Kumar is also an example of struggle and courage. Toman, a resident of Chhattisgarh, was recruited in the Cobra Commando Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the year 2017. This battalion is deployed in anti-Naxal operations. Toman also faced many challenges for the security of the country.

Toman got hit by an IED blast during an operation in the year 2021. One of his legs was badly injured in this explosion and ultimately he had to lose his leg. This accident changed his life. After the accident, he remained in depression for some time, but instead of giving up, he tried to raise himself again. While getting the artificial leg fitted in Hyderabad, Toman saw many people like him. This inspired him to start a new life. Toman, who was an expert in shooting rifles, then picked up a bow and arrow and made archery his passion. On the basis of continuous hard work and practice, he created his own identity in Para Archery. Along with achieving the number-1 rank, he also became the world champion. Now by winning the gold medal in the Para Asian Games, he has proved that an accident can change the direction of life, but strong intentions can take a person to new heights.