Avani Lekhara sets new Paralympic record in Paris

Avani Lekhara made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics on Friday by successfully defending her women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 title, becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history.

Lekhara, the Indian para-shooter, scored 249.7 in the final, setting a new Paralympic record and breaking her own previous mark of 249.6, which she had set during her debut at Tokyo 2020.

The 22-year-old secured the top spot ahead of Republic of Korea’s Lee Yunri, who claimed silver with a score of 246.8. Compatriot Mona Agarwal missed out on the gold medal round but secured bronze with 228.7, marking India's first two medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

This event marked the first time India achieved a double podium finish in the same event at the Paralympic Games.

“It feels very nice to win another gold medal for my country and to defend my title, very nice,” said Avani Lekhara. “It is great motivation to have Mona [Agarwal] on the podium.”

With this victory, Lekhara becomes the second Indian, after javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games. The triumph adds to India’s tally, making it the nation’s 10th overall gold medal.

Earlier, in the qualifying round, Lekhara finished second with a score of 625.8, while Agarwal placed fifth with 623.1.

The SH1 rifle shooting classification includes athletes with lower limb impairments, such as amputations or paraplegia, who are able to support the weight of the rifle themselves.

Avani Lekhara is set to compete in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 events later in the Games. (UNI)<>