Shooter Avani Lekhara wins Gold Medal at 2024 Paralympics

Avani Lekhara made history on August 29, 2024, by securing a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics.

This marked her second consecutive victory in this event.

In an outstanding performance, Lekhara surpassed her own Paralympic record with a final score of 249.7, improving on her previous record of 249.6 set at the Tokyo Paralympics.

The final round was filled with suspense, as Lekhara experienced a tense moment during the shoot-off for the gold.

A 9.9 on her penultimate shot temporarily dropped her to second place, behind South Korea’s Yunri Lee, who appeared to be on the verge of victory.

However, Lekhara’s final shot, a composed 10.5, left the result dependent on Lee’s performance.

In a surprising turn, Lee faltered under pressure, scoring a disappointing 6.8, which allowed Lekhara to win the gold by a margin of 1.9 points, further cementing her status as one of India’s greatest Paralympians.

India’s success was further highlighted by Mona Agarwal’s impressive bronze medal win, which added to the nation’s medal tally.

Agarwal finished with a score of 228.7, narrowly missing the chance to set up an all-Indian gold shootout after losing to Yunri Lee.

Agarwal had been consistent throughout the competition, even leading briefly after 20 shots with a score of 208.1.

However, a 10.0 on her 22nd shot ended her campaign, with the Indian securing a well-deserved bronze.

Indians congratulated the pair for their success, with Bangalore MP PC Mohan tweeting:

“Congratulations to Avani Lekhara on securing a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold at the Paris #Paralympics2024.

“Your dedication and passion for shooting have made this remarkable achievement possible.

“Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavours.”

One person wrote: “India, let’s celebrate our champions!

“Avani Lekhara has made history by clinching India’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the women’s 10m air rifle Mona Agarwal also brought home a bronze medal.”

Another said:

“India’s flag is finally at the top.”

Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to clinch two Paralympic gold medals.

At the Tokyo Paralympics, she had become the first woman shooter from the country to win medals in shooting.

In addition to a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1, she also won a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions.

The SH1 category in shooting involves athletes who have movement affected in their arms, lower trunk, and legs or have no limbs.