Avani Lekhara has made history again by winning India’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event on August 30, 2024. This victory marks her as the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. In the same event, Mona Aggarwal, another Indian shooter, secured a bronze medal.
Avani, who won gold in the 10m air rifle at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, successfully defended her title in Paris by scoring 249.7 points, setting a new Paralympic record. Mona Aggarwal earned the bronze with 228.7 points.
Meet Avani Lekhara and Mona Aggarwal: India’s Paralympic Shooting Stars
Who is Avani Lekhara?
Avani Lekhara is a para-shooter from Jaipur, Rajasthan. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. Now, with her latest gold in Paris, she holds the distinction of being the only Indian woman with two Paralympic golds. Avani was paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after a car accident when she was 11. Encouraged by her father to take up sports, she found inspiration in Olympic shooter Abhinav Bindra. She began competing seriously in 2015. Her achievements in Tokyo earned her prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri and the Khel Ratna award.
Who is Mona Aggarwal?
Mona Aggarwal, born in Sikar, Rajasthan, became wheelchair-bound due to polio in childhood. With the support of her grandmother, she pursued para-sports. Initially exploring para-powerlifting, discus throw, and javelin, Mona focused on para-shooting in 2021. She earned her place at the Paris Paralympics by winning gold at the 2024 WSPS World Cup in New Delhi. Besides her bronze in the 10m air rifle, Mona will compete in two more events: the 50m rifle prone R6 and women’s 50m rifle three-position R8.
Read Also – Who is Norman Pritchard? What is his link to Manu Bhaker’s two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
