Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal Wins Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024: Epic Day for India

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Avani Lekhara created history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by winning her second consecutive gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, breaking her previous record. Mona Agarwal added to India’s glory with a bronze, showcasing the spirit and strength of Indian athletes at the Games.
Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal Wins Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Paralympics brought yet another moment of pride for India as Avani Lekhara continued to create history, winning her second consecutive gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Meanwhile, Mona Agarwal clinched the bronze medal, further solidifying India’s presence in the shooting arena.

Avani Lekhara: A Historic Feat in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Event

Avani Lekhara, one of India’s finest Paralympians, proved her mettle once again by securing the gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. The event was charged with drama, as Lekhara’s performance kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final shot.

In a nail-biting final round, Avani Lekhara faced a momentary setback when a 9.9 score in her penultimate shot dropped her to second place behind Korea’s Yunri Lee, who seemed destined to claim the gold. However, in a stunning display of nerves, Avani bounced back with a decisive 10.5 in her final shot. Under immense pressure, Lee faltered with a 6.8, allowing Avani Lekhara to triumph with a significant margin of 1.9 points. Avani’s final score of 249.7 not only earned her the gold but also surpassed her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in Tokyo, making her the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals.

Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal Wins Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024: Epic Day for India

Avani Lekhara: A Journey of Resilience and Determination

Avani Lekhara’s journey to Paralympic glory has been marked by sheer determination and resilience. Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Avani’s life changed drastically in 2012 when a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. While such a life-altering event could have dampened her spirits, Avani, with the encouragement of her father, found solace and inspiration in sports. It was her father’s unwavering belief in her potential that led Avani to the shooting range in 2015.

Avani Lekhara was inspired to pursue shooting after reading Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography. She dedicated herself to the sport, training rigorously under coach Chandra Shekhar and later under former Olympian Suma Shirur. Her hard work paid off when she won her first international medal, a bronze, at the 2017 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Bangkok.

Her breakthrough moment came during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where she became the first Indian woman shooter to win a Paralympic gold, later adding a bronze to her tally in the 50m rifle 3 positions event. Avani’s achievements earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awards.

Mona Agarwal’s Bronze Adds to India’s Glory

India’s celebrations didn’t stop with Avani’s gold, as Mona Agarwal secured a bronze medal in the same event. Mona’s journey to the podium was equally commendable. Throughout the competition, she showcased remarkable consistency, even briefly topping the standings with a score of 208.1 after 20 shots. However, a score of 10.0 in her 22nd shot ended her pursuit for the gold, and she concluded the event with a score of 228.7, clinching a well-deserved bronze.

Mona Agarwal’s achievement is a testament to her grit and determination. Despite a tough competition, she remained composed, ensuring India’s double podium finish in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal Wins Bronze at Paris Paralympics 2024

Mona Agarwal: A Rising Star in Indian Paralympic Shooting

Mona Agarwal, another inspiring athlete, has shown incredible determination to reach the podium. Born in Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona became wheelchair-bound due to early-onset polio. With her maternal grandmother’s support, she explored various para-sports, including para-powerlifting, para-discus throw, and para-javelin, before finding her true calling in para-shooting in 2021.

Mona’s entry into the world of shooting was marked by determination and hard work. She won a bronze medal at the 2023 WSPS World Cup in Croatia, and her outstanding performance in the 2024 WSPS World Cup in New Delhi, where she won gold, secured her a spot at the Paris Paralympics. Her performance in Paris further establishes her as a formidable competitor in the sport, as she will also compete in the 50m rifle prone R6 and the women’s 50m rifle three-position R8 events.

India’s Rising Paralympic Stars: An Inspiring Story of Grit and Glory

The achievements of Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 are not just medals; they are symbols of resilience, hard work, and perseverance. Both athletes have overcome tremendous odds to reach where they are today, inspiring millions across India and beyond. Avani’s journey from a devastating car accident to becoming India’s first female para-athlete with two Paralympic gold medals is a remarkable tale of courage and determination. Meanwhile, Mona’s shift from multiple para-sports to finding her niche in shooting showcases her adaptability and tenacity.

As the Paris Paralympics continue, India’s athletes are making a mark on the global stage, and the nation eagerly awaits more moments of glory. Avani and Mona’s performances are a testament to the spirit of Paralympic sports – a celebration of human will, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

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