Paris Paralympics 2024: India's Avani Lekhara strikes gold; Mona Agarwal wins bronze in para-shooting

Avani Lekhara is the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.

Para-shooters Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal opened India’s medal account at the Paris Paralympics 2024, winning gold and bronze respectively in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 Standing category.

Avani Lekhara, 23, successfully defended her gold medal from four years ago, setting a new Paralympic record with a score of 249.7. In a thrilling finish, Lekhara overcame a 0.8-point deficit in the final shot to clinch gold when her Korean rival, Lee Yunri, faltered with a 6.8 score. Lekhara’s final shot of 10.5 secured her victory.

Avani Lekhara wins India's first GOLD at Paris Paralympics 🇮🇳🥇Lekhara sets new paralympic record of 249.7 in women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 💪It is her third Paralympic medal 🔥💥#Paralympics2024 #ParisParalympics #parashooting pic.twitter.com/gffvak0Umg

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 30, 2024

The competition remained tight until the end. A 9.9 score on her 23rd shot put Lekhara at a disadvantage, with the Korean shooter taking a 0.8-point lead. However, Lekhara’s final shot of 10.5, combined with her opponent’s low score, secured her the gold medal and a new Paralympic record.

Mona Agarwal, fresh from her victory at the 2024 Delhi World Cup, secured the bronze medal with a score of 228.7. Agarwal held the lead until the 21st shot but slipped to third place in the final moments of the competition.

PARIS PARALYMPICS 2024 🇮🇳🥉🚀 Mona Agarwal claims BRONZE in Para Shooting in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event with a total score of 228.7#ParisParalympic #Paris2024 #Paralympics2024 #ParalympicGames #Paralympiques2024 #Paralympic2024 #ParalympicGamesParis2024 pic.twitter.com/Oq7ukG1paV

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 30, 2024

Agarwal’s journey to the bronze medal was marked by steady improvement. She began slowly, scoring 51.2 in the first series and placing fifth. Her second series score of 51.5 initially dropped her to sixth place.

However, Agarwal rallied in the final 14 shots, achieving eight scores of 10.5 or higher. She briefly held the gold medal position until the 21st shot, ultimately securing the bronze with a strong finish.

Also Read: All medals won by India at Summer Paralympics

Both athletes overcame significant personal challenges to reach this level of success. Lekhara, from Jaipur, Rajasthan, became wheelchair-bound after a car accident in 2012. She took up shooting as part of her recovery process, encouraged by her father.

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Agarwal, born in Sikar, Rajasthan, contracted polio at nine months old, affecting both her lower limbs. Despite this, she pursued her education and is currently working towards a master’s degree in psychology through online learning.

The success of Lekhara and Agarwal at the Paris Paralympics not only opens India’s medal account but also serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of determination and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.

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