Avani Lekhara Wins Gold at Paris Paralympics

Avani Lekhara made history by becoming the first Indian to win consecutive gold medals at the Paralympics, achieving a record score of 249.7 in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in Paris. Her compatriot, Mona Agarwal, also made a remarkable debut, securing a bronze medal with a score of 228.7, marking the first time in Paralympic history that two Indian shooters medaled in the same event. Avani's victory not only surpasses her previous record of 249.6 set during the Tokyo Games but also highlights her resilience following health challenges, including a gallbladder surgery. Both athletes competed against a backdrop of fierce competition, with South Korea's Lee Yunri taking silver. Avani's achievement adds to her accolades from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she won two medals. This success is a significant boost for India's presence in the Paralympic shooting arena.