Avani Lekhara Claims Gold at the 2024 Paralympics

Avani Lekhara achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games, securing victory in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event on August 30, 2024, in Chateauroux, France.

This victory marks India’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics. Avani demonstrated exceptional skill by scoring 249.7, thereby surpassing her previous record of 249.6, which she set during the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

Alongside her, compatriot Mona Agarwal also shined, claiming a bronze medal with a score of 228.7. Mona, who took up shooting only in 2022, delivered an impressive performance in her maiden Paralympics.

Avani’s journey has been inspirational; she became wheelchair-bound after a car accident when she was just 11 years old. Despite this setback, she emerged as a leading figure in Indian sports, being the first female shooter from the country to earn medals in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics.

The SH1 category in shooting includes athletes with movement limitations in their arms, lower trunks, or legs, or those who are missing limbs. In the qualification round, Avani scored 625.8, placing her second behind Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic qualification record with a score of 627.5.

Mona Agarwal also performed admirably in the qualifications, scoring 623.1 and advancing to the finals in fifth place. However, her performance in the final eliminated her chances of winning a higher medal position with a final shot scoring 10.

Avani Lekhara’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her passion for shooting was ignited after her accident, and with the unwavering support of her father, Praveen Lekhara, she began her training at the Jagatpura Shooting Range in Jaipur.

With the guidance of coach Chandra Shekhar and former Olympian Suma Shirur, Avani rose to prominence, winning her first international medal, a bronze, at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Bangkok in 2017.