First Indian woman to do so

Twenty-two year old talented Para Shooter Avani Lekhara, a beacon of inspiration in Para Shooting, became the first Indian woman to win two Gold medals in the history of Paralympics. The same came at the back of her successfully defending her women's 10m Air Rifle Shooting Standing SH1 title in the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics on Friday 30th August, 2024.

Her fellow veteran country mate Mona Agarwal too made it to the podium by clinching the Bronze medal to ensure two medals in the event, marking a historic double for India.

Avani who had also won a Bronze medal in the R8 - 50m Rifle Three Positions event in Tokyo three years ago etched her name in the annals of Indian Paralympics as the first Indian woman athlete to win three medals at these Games.

Avani who is part of a record 84 para athletes (competing across 12 disciplines at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, three more than Tokyo 2020) who are representing India at the quadrennial Games being held from 28th August to 8th, September, 2024, earlier who was trailing in the second place behind Korea’s until till the final shot Yunri Lee. However she made the most of her closest rival under par score of 6.8 in her final attempt, with a Gold medal winning effort of scoring 10.5 to end with an overall cumulative score of 249.7. In the process she broke her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set.

 Avani’s success was  one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, that was achieved at the back of gallbladder surgery that saw her take a one-and-a-half-month recovery sabbatical from the sports she too liking a decade ago, inspired by the legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, India’s first Olympic Gold Medallist.

Earlier in the qualifying round of the competition in the SH1 category that includes athletes with movement limitations in their arms, lower trunk, legs, or those without limbs, wheelchair bound Avani qualified for the final in second place, shooting 625.8, while Mona secured fifth spot with a score of 623.1, where in Ukraine's Iryna Shchetnik had broken the Paralympic Qualification Record with 627.5.

Avani Lekhara who overcame a life-altering accident to become a Paralympic champion, proves that with grit and perseverance in the backdrop of a good support set up and positive environment, anything is possible.  

 For record purposes India with four medals placed tenth in the medals tally with one Gold, one Silver and two Bronze on Saturday evening.

About Avani Lekhara

Early Life: Avani Lekhara, born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has emerged as one of India's most inspiring athletes. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, began after a life-altering road accident in 2012, which left her wheelchair-bound.

Road to Recovery: Despite the significant physical and emotional challenges, Avani's father played a crucial role in her recovery, encouraging her to explore sports as a means of physical and mental rehabilitation. 

Transition from Archery to Shooting: Initially drawn to archery, a sport that demands precision, focus, and discipline, Avani soon found her true calling in competitive shooting. Inspired by the legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, she transitioned to shooting in 2015. Her dedication and natural talent quickly set her apart, and she began accumulating victories at both national and international levels. Avani set world records in para shooting, establishing herself as a formidable force in the sport.

Academic Pursuits and Multifaceted Talents: Beyond her sporting achievements, Avani is committed to her academic pursuits. Despite a demanding training schedule, she is enrolled in a five-year law degree program at the University of Rajasthan. Her ability to balance rigorous academics with her sports career highlights her determination to excel in all aspects of life.

Government’s Support in Success: Avani Lekhara's journey to becoming a Paralympic gold medalist has been significantly bolstered by the Indian government's unwavering support. Through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Avani has received extensive financial assistance that has allowed her to access top-tier training facilities, procure specialized sports equipment, and benefit from expert coaching. Additionally, programs like Khelo India have provided her with the resources necessary to maintain her competitive edge. The government's commitment to nurturing talent in para sports has been a cornerstone of Avani's success, enabling her to excel on the global stage and inspire countless others with disabilities.

Path to Success: Avani's journey did not stop at the Paralympics in 2021. She continued to shine in various international competitions, including the World Cups and Asian Para Games, where she consistently won medals and set new benchmarks. Her ambitions extend beyond sports, as she aims to inspire future generations and contribute to society through her legal studies. Avani's remarkable achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (2022) and Khel Ratna (2021). As she continues to break barriers and set new records, Avani remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions.

Photo Above : Indian Para Shooter Avani Lekhara, 22, became the first Indian woman to win two Gold medals in the history of Paralympics