'Gold stays with the bold!' How sports fraternity reacted to Avani Lekhara's historic medal at Paris Paralympics 2024
Avani Lekhara became first Indian woman to win two gold medals at Paralympics.
Avani Lekhara, a 22-year-old Indian para shooter, made history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Friday by successfully defending her women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 title. This achievement marks her as the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in Paralympic history.
Lekhara’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. She scored 249.7 in the final, setting a new Paralympic record and surpassing her own previous record of 249.6 set at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her victory came ahead of Republic of Korea’s Lee Yunri, who claimed silver with a score of 246.8.
Adding to India’s success, Mona Agarwal secured the bronze medal in the same event with a final score of 228.7. This double podium finish is a first for India at the Paralympic Games, highlighting the country’s growing strength in para sports.
These medals hold significant importance as they are India’s first at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Lekhara’s achievement places her alongside javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia as the only Indians to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. Her victory also brings India’s total Paralympic gold medal count to 10.
Also Read: List of medallist for India at Summer Paralympics
The SH1 rifle shooting class, in which Lekhara and Agarwal compete, is designed for athletes who can support the weight of the rifle themselves despite having impairments in their legs, such as amputation or paraplegia.
The sports fraternity in India has reacted with enthusiasm to Avani Lekhara’s gold medal win, with cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, India’s double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, and prominent sports handles rejoicing at the golden girl’s breakthrough achievement.
Here are all the reactions
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- Paris Paralympics 2024: Sports in which India won its first-ever gold
- Paris Paralympics champions Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar join IOS Sports and Entertainment
- Paris Paralympics 2024: Updated list of Indian medal winners, overall medal tally
- Indian athletes who have won medals in multiple editions of Paralympics
- Five sports in which India has won most medals in Paralympics
- Paris Paralympics 2024: Updated list of Indian medal winners, overall medal tally
- Five sports in which India has won most medals in Paralympics
- Paris Paralympics 2024: India schedule, results, live streaming and telecast details
- Indian athletes with most medals won in single edition of Paralympics
- Top 11 Indians who finished fourth at Paralympics