Avani Lekhara made history by becoming the first Indian to win two consecutive Paralympic gold medals, solidifying her status as one of the world's finest para-shooters. The 22-year-old, who has been paralyzed from the waist down since a car accident at the age of 11, achieved this remarkable feat in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) shooting competition in Chateauroux.
On the second day of competitions, India also celebrated a silver medal win by Manish Narwal in the men's 10m air pistol (SH1) final, along with two bronze medals. The first bronze was secured by 37-year-old Mona Agarwal, a wheelchair-bound athlete, in the same event where Avani triumphed. The second bronze was claimed by Preethi Pal in the women's 100m (T35) event in Paris, where she achieved a personal best performance.
India’s position in the overall standings improved to the 10th spot, ahead of Japan and Korea. Avani's victory in the 10m air rifle event was a nail-biter, with her final shot scoring 249.7, breaking her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in Tokyo in 2021. Avani took the gold ahead of Korea's Lee Yunri, who scored 246.8 to win silver, while Mona secured the bronze with a score of 228.7.
. Avani Lekhara (L) With Gold Medal and Mona Agarwal (R) With Bronze Medal
This marked the first time India achieved a double podium finish in the same event at the Paralympic Games. Avani also became the second Indian after javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia to win two Paralympic gold medals. However, unlike Jhajharia, Avani accomplished this feat in consecutive games.
The journey to Paris was not easy for Avani. She endured several health issues, including a gallbladder surgery in March that forced her to take a break of one and a half months. Despite the surgery and subsequent weight loss, her determination remained unwavering. Avani is also an assistant conservator of forest with the Rajasthan government. Her commitment was evident during the national camp at the Karni Singh ranges, where she focused on regaining her strength and mental toughness.
. Manish Narwal With Silver Medal
In a tense final, Avani was trailing behind Lee Yunri by a few decimal points. However, Lee faltered under pressure with a poor last shot of 6.8, while Avani maintained her composure and delivered a superb 10.5 to clinch the gold. Mona, who competed in the SH1 category due to a lower leg impairment from childhood polio, finished third with a score of 228.7. Mona's journey to this podium was marked by resilience, overcoming societal prejudice in her hometown of Sikar, Rajasthan.
Tokyo Games gold-medalist Manish Narwal showcased his determination in Paris, winning silver with a score of 234.9 in the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1) final. The 22-year-old, who had won gold in the 50m pistol event in Tokyo three years earlier, aimed for a repeat performance in Paris. However, a series of poor shots in the '9s' dropped him to second place.
. Preethi Pal with Bronze medal
Preethi Pal added to India’s medal tally with a bronze in the women’s T35 100m event, marking India's first Paralympic athletics medal. Preethi, from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, achieved a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. Born with physical challenges, she underwent traditional treatments and wore calipers for eight years starting at the age of five to strengthen her legs.
In badminton, Nitesh Kumar delivered an outstanding performance, defeating China’s Yang Jianyuan in straight games to qualify for the semifinals in the men's singles SL3 group A match. Nitesh, a 29-year-old alumnus of IIT Mandi, sustained a permanent leg injury due to an accident that occurred in 2009.
In archery, Rakesh Kumar started his campaign with a victory over Senegal’s Aliou Drame, winning 136-131 to advance to the pre-quarterfinals in the compound men’s open category.
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