NEW DELHI: Avani Lekhara has become the first Indian to win successive Paralympic gold medals with a record-shattering performance in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event, joined by bronze-winner Mona Agarwal, marking a historic double for India. Avani shot a superb 249.7, breaking her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in Tokyo three years ago.
Avani, 22, clinched gold after trailing her rival, South Korea's Lee Yunri, by a few decimal points. Lee faltered with a final shot of 6.8, while Avani maintained her composure, scoring 10.5. This remarkable achievement followed a difficult preparation period for Avani, who had undergone gallbladder surgery and took a one-and-a-half-month recovery break.
Avani's perseverance was evident during the national camp at the Karni Singh Ranges, where she worked to regain her strength and mental focus. Despite losing weight due to surgery, her determination remained unshaken. She credited the "positive environment" in the national camp for helping her overcome her fitness worries.
"I am happy to win a medal for my country. I am thankful to my team, my coaches and my parents," said Avani after the match.
In a nerve-wracking final, Avani's mental fortitude stood out. The lead alternated between Avani, Mona, and Lee, but Avani's consistent performance under pressure secured her victory. The SH1 category includes athletes with movement limitations in their arms, lower trunk, legs, or those without limbs. Avani, who uses a wheelchair after a car accident at age 11 left her paralyzed below the waist, continues to inspire with her achievements.
This is the first time two Indian shooters have medaled in a single Paralympic event. Mona Agarwal, 37, took bronze with a score of 228.7. Mona had previously tried various sports, including shot-put, powerlifting, and wheelchair volleyball, before focusing on shooting.
Earlier in the competition, Avani qualified for the final in second place, shooting 625.8, while Mona secured fifth spot with a score of 623.1. Ukraine's Iryna Shchetnik broke the Paralympic Qualification Record with 627.5.
Avani's gold is expected to boost her confidence ahead of the 50m rifle 3-positions event, where she also aims for a medal. She won bronze in this event at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Reflecting on her journey, Avani's relentless dedication to her sport is evident. Despite health setbacks, she remained focused on her goal. As an assistant conservator of forests with the Rajasthan government, Avani balanced her professional commitments with rigorous training.
Mona's achievement is equally noteworthy. Her journey in sports has been varied, and her decision to settle on shooting has now paid off with an Olympic bronze. Her performance in the past year has been commendable, with two World Cup gold medals to her name.
"I think we have been in a very positive environment throughout. We are just focussing on the process rather than the outcome.
"There, obviously, will be expectations but those expectations only motivate me and inspire me more to give my best. I am also more mature in my technique," she had said before leaving for Paris.
This historic performance by Avani and Mona is a proud moment for India. As they stood on the podium, their achievements highlighted not only their skill but also their unwavering determination and mental toughness.
