Avani Lekhara Advances to Women's 50m Rifle Finals at Paralympics

Indian shooter Avani Lekhara progressed to the finals of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event at the Paralympics, finishing seventh in the qualifications. Compatriot Mona Agarwal did not advance, ending 13th. Avani previously claimed gold in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 event and holds a record score in the same event.

India's ace shooter Avani Lekhara has entered the final of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition at the ongoing Paralympics, finishing in seventh place in the qualification round. However, fellow Indian shooter Mona Agarwal did not advance, concluding her run in the 13th position. Avani secured the final spot with a cumulative score of 1159 in the kneeling, prone, and standing stages, while Mona scored 1147.

As the competition tightened, the top eight scorers from the qualification round progressed to the finals. Notably, Avani's stellar performance in the final stages secured her advancement, holding initially at eighth before catapulting to seventh with impressive series scores.

The 22-year-old Avani, wheelchair-bound since a car accident at age 11, previously seized gold in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 event. With a record score of 249.7, she became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. Despite her recent topsy-turvy showing in other events, Avani remains a national sensation.

(With inputs from agencies.)