Published By: Sanchari Das

Paralympics 2024: Avani Lekhara's Historic Double Gold Marks India's Medal Opening

Lekhara not only made history with her gold but also opened India's medal account at the 2024 Paralympics

Para shooter Avani Lekhara made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. Avani, who initially made headlines as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 at Tokyo 2020, retained her title in Paris. She claimed her second gold with a record-breaking score of 249.7 points, surpassing her previous record of 249.6 set in Tokyo.

At just 22, Avani joins javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia as the only Indian Paralympian with two gold medals. This latest victory is her third Paralympic medal, adding to the bronze she won in Tokyo's women's 50m rifle three-position SH1 event.

A historic double-gold victory

Lekhara made history with her gold and opened India's medal account at the 2024 Paralympics. Her incredible performance in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 was matched by a fellow Indian competitor, Mona Agarwal, who secured a bronze medal in the same event. This double delight showcased India's growing strength in Paralympic shooting, with both athletes standing tall on the podium. Lekhara's gold and Agarwal's bronze are a proud moment for the nation, marking a powerful start for India in Paris.

From wheelchair to archery

Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Lekhara's life took a drastic turn. A car accident in 2012 left her confined to a wheelchair, the lower half of her body paralysed at the age of 11. But while the accident altered her physical abilities, it couldn't touch her spirit or her dreams. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, her father encouraged her to pursue sports, initially guiding her toward archery.

The first gold

However, Avani discovered her true passion for shooting. She soon proved her talent, winning her first gold medal in a regional shooting competition at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jaipur. This early victory marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in Paralympic sports.

A multi-medal marvel

In 2018, Avani Lekhara competed at the Asian Para Games, setting the stage for her qualification for the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. Her rise to fame began at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she became the first Indian woman to win gold in shooting. Her success didn't stop there; she also secured a bronze in another category, joining an elite group of Indian athletes with multiple Paralympic medals. In 2022, Avani's winning streak continued with two gold medals and a silver at the World Cup, followed by another gold at the Asian Para Games.

Dominating the world stage

By January 2023, she had earned the prestigious World No. 1 rank in the women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 World Shooting Para Sport Rankings. At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Avani continued her winning streak, clinching gold in the 10 m air rifle event. Her remarkable achievements have been recognised with India's highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna, in 2021, followed by the Padma Shri in 2022.