Avani Lekhara: India's Golden Para-Shooter Shines Again

Avani Lekhara became the first Indian to win two successive Paralympic gold medals in shooting, with a record-breaking performance in Chateauroux. Her victory was part of India's historic achievements at the Paralympic Games, which also included medals in shooting, track, badminton, and archery.

In an extraordinary feat, Avani Lekhara has become the first Indian to win two successive Paralympic gold medals, cementing her position as one of the world's finest para-shooters. On a historic day for India, the nation also grabbed its maiden track medal through Preethi Pal.

Avani, a 22-year-old who was paralysed waist-down after a car accident at age 11, triumphed in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Her remarkable score of 249.7 broke her own previous Paralympic record. This victory marked India's first double podium finish at the Paralympic Games, with fellow Indian shooter Mona Agarwal clinching bronze in the same event.

Among other achievements, India saw Manish Narwal winning silver in the men's 10m air pistol (SH1) final and Preethi Pal achieving a bronze in the women's 100m (T35) meet in Paris. The overall standings placed India 10th, ahead of Japan and Korea. Avani remains focused on her upcoming matches, aiming to win more medals for her country.

(With inputs from agencies.)