Paris: Avani Lekhara has made history once again at the paris Paralympics 2024 by winning the gold medal in the Women’s 10m air Rifle Standing SH1 final. Her stellar performance not only secured her second Paralympic gold but also set a new record, underscoring her status as one of the world's top para-shooters.
Historical Significance and Performance
This victory marks Avani’s second gold medal at the Paralympics, following her historic win in tokyo 2020, where she became the first indian woman to win gold at the Games. Facing formidable competitors, including world record holder Iryna Shchetnik and fellow indian shooter Mona Agarwal, Avani displayed remarkable skill and composure throughout the event.In the initial stages of the competition, Avani scored 103.7 points across two rounds, securing a strong position. As the finals progressed, she maintained her lead despite fierce competition, with Mona Agarwal initially placing third. The final three contenders included Avani, Mona, and South Korea’s Yunri Lee.
The Final Twist
The final round proved to be a dramatic showdown. Avani initially shot a 9.9, seemingly putting her in a position to settle for silver as Yunri Lee took the lead with a 10.7. However, Avani's decisive moment came with her final shot, where she scored an impressive 10.5. Yunri, under intense pressure, faltered with a 6.8, allowing Avani to clinch gold with a record-breaking total of 249.7 points, surpassing her previous record by 0.1 points.
Impact and Future Prospects
Avani Lekhara’s triumph not only adds a prestigious medal to India’s tally but also cements her as India’s first para-athlete to win a gold medal at the paris Paralympics. Her performance highlights her extraordinary resilience and precision, setting a high bar for future competitors.
India's Paralympic Campaign
India's Paralympic campaign is off to a strong start with this gold medal. The country has sent its largest-ever contingent to the Games, and Avani’s victory is a promising beginning. Other notable events of the day include Preeti Pal's participation in the Women’s 100m T35 final and Manu's competition in the Men’s Shotput F37 final. The indian team continues to vie for additional medals, with several athletes in contention for final events.
Avani Lekhara’s record-setting performance in the Women’s 10m air Rifle Standing SH1 final at the paris Paralympics underscores her exceptional skill and the growing prowess of indian para-athletes on the global stage. As the Games continue, India’s delegation remains hopeful for further successes and continued advancement in their Paralympic campaign.