Our Bureau
Paris
Avani Lekhara etched her name in the history books once again, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. The 22-year-old sharpshooter from Jaipur successfully defended her title in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a new Paralympic record with a score of 249.7 points.
Lekhara’s compatriot Mona Agarwal, making her Paralympic debut, clinched the bronze medal with a score of 228.7 points. The duo’s stellar performances opened India’s medal tally at these Games, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in para shooting.
Lekhara’s triumph follows her historic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold. Coached by Indian shooting legend Abhinav Bindra, Lekhara has been a trailblazer for Indian women in the sport.
In a remarkable feat, India secured a double podium finish in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, with Lekhara and Agarwal standing atop the podium. This was the first time India had achieved such a feat in a single event at the Paralympic Games.
Agarwal, a 34-year-old from Sikar, Rajasthan, overcame early-onset polio to become a para-athlete with the support of her maternal grandmother. Before settling on para-shooting in 2021, she tried her hand at various other para-sports, including powerlifting, discus throw, and javelin.
Lekhara’s record-breaking performance and Agarwal’s bronze medal have set the stage for a bright future for Indian para shooting. The duo’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Indian para athletes, who continue to push the boundaries and bring glory to the nation.
With Lekhara set to compete in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 and the Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 events later in the Games, and Agarwal also slated to participate in the 50m Rifle Prone R6 and Women’s 50m Rifle Three-Position R8 events, the future looks promising for Indian para shooting.
Avani Lekhara’s historic gold medal and Mona Agarwal’s bronze have not only opened India’s medal tally at the Paris 2024 Paralympics but have also cemented their place in the annals of Indian sports history. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring para athletes and a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
