Avani Lekhara's Astounding Triumph: Sets Paralympic Record with Back-to-Back Gold

Avani Lekhara became the first Indian to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals in women's 10m air rifle (SH1), setting a new record. Joining her on the podium was Mona Agarwal, who won bronze. This marks India's first instance of two shooters winning medals in a single Paralympic event.

The incredible Avani Lekhara became the first Indian to claim successive Paralympic gold medals with a record-shattering top finish in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) shooting competition. She had bronze-winning Mona Agarwal for company on the podium in a historic double for the country here on Friday.

Winner of the Tokyo Paralympics gold three years back, Avani, 22, shot a superb 249.7 to erase her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in the Japanese capital three years back.

The 37-year-old Mona, who dabbled in several sports including shot-put, powerlifting, and wheelchair volleyball before settling on shooting, notched up 228.7 for the third-place finish. This is the first time in India's Paralympic history that two shooters have pulled off medals in a single event.

(With inputs from agencies.)