Paris Paralympics 2024: Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal Secure India’s First Medals

India has made a remarkable debut at the Paris Paralympics 2024, securing its first medals through an outstanding performance in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting event. Avani Lekhara clinched the Gold Medal, while Mona Agarwal achieved the Bronze Medal, marking a historic double podium finish for India in this event.

Historic Double Podium Finish

For the first time in Paralympic history, India has achieved a double podium finish in a single event at the Paris Paralympics. Avani Lekhara's Gold Medal and Mona Agarwal's Bronze Medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle shooting event not only represent a significant achievement for the athletes but also symbolize a new milestone for Indian Paralympic sports.

Avani Lekhara: Setting New Records

Avani Lekhara's triumph is noteworthy for several reasons. Her score of 249.7 not only earned her the Gold Medal but also set a new Paralympic record. This score surpassed her previous record of 249.6, which she set during the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 where she won gold. This win marks Avani Lekhara’s third Paralympic medal. Her previous successes include two medals from the Tokyo Games, cementing her status as one of India’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes.

Mona Agarwal: First Paralympic Medal

Mona Agarwal made her Paralympic debut memorable by securing her first-ever podium finish with a Bronze Medal. She achieved a score of 228.7, which earned her a spot on the podium alongside Avani Lekhara. This achievement is a significant milestone in Agarwal's career, marking her entry into the elite ranks of Paralympic shooting.

Avani Lekhara’s Journey to Gold

Avani Lekhara’s path to the Gold Medal is particularly inspiring. As the first Indian woman para-athlete to win two Paralympic gold medals, Lekhara has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and skill. She uses a wheelchair due to a car accident at age 11 that left her paralyzed below the waist. Her journey from the Tokyo Paralympics, where she first won gold, to the Paris Paralympics showcases her resilience and dedication to the sport.

In the qualification round for the Paris Paralympics, Lekhara scored 625.8, placing her second behind Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic qualification record with a score of 627.5. Despite this, Lekhara’s performance in the final round was exceptional, securing her the top spot and the Gold Medal.

Understanding the SH1 Category

The SH1 category in Paralympic shooting is designated for athletes with movement impairments in their arms, lower trunk, legs, or those who have lost limbs. This classification allows athletes with varying degrees of physical disability to compete in shooting events, ensuring a fair competition based on their functional abilities. In the Paris Paralympics 2024, 84 athletes are competing in 55 events across this category, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the games.

India’s Medal Goals at Paris Paralympics 2024

With a total of 84 athletes competing in various events, India aims to surpass its previous record of 19 medals from the Tokyo Paralympics. The country’s participation and success in the Paris Paralympics reflect a growing strength and depth in its Paralympic sports program. The achievements of Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal are a promising start for India in its pursuit of medal tallies at these games.

Conclusion

India’s success in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, highlighted by Avani Lekhara’s record-setting Gold Medal and Mona Agarwal’s Bronze Medal, marks a historic moment in the country’s Paralympic history. These achievements not only reflect the athletes’ extraordinary skills and perseverance but also represent a significant milestone for Indian sports on the global stage. As the Paris Paralympics continue, India’s focus will be on building on this success and achieving new heights in the coming events.