India Bags Gold: Avani Lekhara wins second Paralympics gold medal with record-breaking shooting

In a momentous display of skill and perseverance, Avani Lekhara etched her name into the annals of history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals.

Record-breaking performance

At just 22 years old, Avani has already achieved what many athletes can only dream of. Her journey to the gold in Paris was nothing short of spectacular, as she delivered a near-flawless performance, scoring an incredible 249.7 points. This score not only secured her the top spot on the podium but also shattered her own previous record of 249.6, set during her gold-winning performance at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

Avani's path to victory was marked by fierce competition. In the qualification round, she finished second with a score of 625.8, just behind Ukraine’s Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic qualification record with 627.5 points. Despite the pressure, Avani's unyielding focus in the final saw her rise to the occasion, delivering a performance that was both technically flawless and emotionally charged.

Journey of resilience

Avani’s success is all the more remarkable given the challenges she has faced. A car accident at the age of 11 left her paralyzed from the waist down, altering the course of her life. However, what could have been a story of despair became one of triumph. Avani took up shooting, a sport that would eventually become her arena of excellence, and by 2021, she had already made history as the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting at the Paralympics.

The SH1 category, in which Avani competes, includes athletes with impairments in their arms, lower trunk, or legs, or those missing limbs. Despite these challenges, Avani’s determination and hard work have propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport.

Mona Agarwal wins bronze

While Avani took home the gold, her compatriot Mona Agarwal also made headlines by securing a bronze medal in the same event. Mona, who only took up shooting in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of India’s most promising para-athletes. Her qualification for the final in fifth place, with a score of 623.1, was impressive, but her performance in the final, where she scored 228.7 points, truly cemented her status as a rising star in the sport.
Mona’s achievement in Paris, her maiden Paralympics, is a testament to her dedication and natural talent. As a two-time World Cup gold medalist, she has shown that she has the skill and determination to compete at the highest levels.

PM Modi congratulates Avani and Mona

The success of Avani and Mona at the Paris Paralympics has not gone unnoticed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate the athletes, highlighting Avani’s historic achievement and Mona’s remarkable performance.

"India opens its medal account in the #Paralympics2024! Congratulations to @AvaniLekhara for winning the coveted Gold... Her dedication continues to make India proud," Modi wrote. He also praised Mona Agarwal, stating, "Her remarkable achievement reflects her dedication and quest for excellence. India is proud of Mona!"

These accolades from the highest levels of government reflect the pride that the nation feels in these athletes. Avani’s gold and Mona’s bronze have not only added to India’s medal tally but have also set the tone for what promises to be a successful campaign for the Indian contingent at the Paris Paralympics.

(with inputs from agencies)