Paralympics 2024: Avani Lekhara Claims Gold, Mona Agarwal Takes Bronze In Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1

India opened its medal account in the Paris Paralympics with two Indian athletes, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal claiming gold and bronze medals respectively in the women's 10m air rifle standing sh2. Avani defended her crown in the event by winning gold for the second successive time at the quadrennial showpiece spectacle. She broke her Paralympic record in 2020 to become one of the most celebrated female Paralympic athletes from India.

On the other hand, Mona Agarwal, 36 secured a bronze in the women's 10m air rifle standing sh2 event.

Avani Lekhara Scored 249.7, Winning Gold For The 2nd Time

In an exceptional performance, Avani surpassed her previous record with a final score of 249.7. In the previous Paralympics in Tokyo, she scored 249.6. The final round was no less than a high-pulsing drama. Lekhara’s performance unexpectedly dropped with a penultimate shot, a 9.9, temporarily dropping her to second place behind Kerao’s Yunri Lee.

Luckily, Lekhara’s final shot turned out to be a steady 10.5, leaving the outcome dependent on Lee’s performance. In a surprising twist, Lee faltered under pressure, dropping to a 6.8, which made way for Lekhara to clutch the gold by a significant margin of 1.9.

Credits: indianshooting.com

Lekhara’s golden victory and Mona’s remarkable achievement of winning the bronze medal marks a celebratory moment for India. Mona ended with a final score of 228.7 and lost to Yunri Lee, for a chance to set up an all-Indian shootout for gold.

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Avani Lekhara Creates History

With a glorious victory in the Paris Olympics, Avani becomes the first Indian woman to clinch two Paralympic gold medals. In the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, she became the first Indian woman shooter to win a medal in shooting. In addition to a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1, she also won a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions.

Credits: Femina

The SH1 category in shooting sports involves athletes who have limited or no movement in their arms, lower trunk, and legs, or have no limbs. This classification ensures fair competition among athletes with similar physical impairments.

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