From Tokyo to Paris: Avani Lekhara’s Gold Streak Highlights India’s Paralympic Success

Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal, and Manish Narwal Add Medals in Paris Paralympics

The 22-year-old Rajasthani girl, Avani Lekhra, who is proudly presenting India in the Paris Paralympics, created history by being the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago, again proved her excellence by becoming the first Indian athlete to win back-to-back gold medals. She won gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the shooting ranges in Chateauroux.

The quest for achievements does not stop here as Mona Agarwal secured bronze in the same event, marking a historic first-time double podium finish for India, few hours later Manish Narwal won silver in the men’s 10m air rifle, while Preethi Pal earned bronze in the women’s 100m T35 in Paris, marking India's first medal in a track event. These achievements exceeded even the most optimistic pre-Games expectations.

After finishing second in the qualification round, Lekhara was well-positioned for a medal in the 24-shot final but faced a tough challenge from Korea’s Lee Yunri, but she faltered under pressure with a low final shot. Lekhra maintained her composure, scoring 10.5 to set a new Paralympic record with 249.7. Following her win, she shared that defending her title was nerve-wracking but expressed her joy at winning two gold medals.

Struggling with health challenges and a major gallbladder surgery which sidelined her from training for nearly two months, she felt anxious as the games approached. Despite these setbacks, she persevered and successfully defended her gold medal while also winning a bronze in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 in Tokyo. After winning gold in Paris, she reflected on her continued success and pride in repeating her 2021 Paralympics achievement as this gold medal paved the way for Indian women in sports, and she is proud to have been the first to achieve this milestone.

Mona Agarwal was also thrilled with her bronze medal, achieved just two-and-a-half years after she began shooting. Despite facing polio at nine months old and family concerns about her choice of sport. She shared that her family is now very proud of her achievement.

In another highlight, Tokyo gold medalist Manish Narwal secured silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1, scoring 234.9 and finishing behind Korea’s Jo Jeongdu. This achievement brought India's total to three medals from Chateauroux. Meanwhile, in Paris, sprinter Preethi Pal earned India’s first Paralympic medal in track events by winning bronze in the women’s T35 100m with a time of 14.21 seconds, marking a significant achievement for Indian athletics.

Editor’s Note:

The Paris Paralympics has been a landmark event for Indian athletes, with remarkable performances showcasing their dedication and talent. Avani Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, has once again excelled by winning back-to-back gold medals in Paris. Her achievement in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, alongside Mona Agarwal’s historic bronze in the same event, marks a pioneering double podium finish for India. Further adding to the success, Manish Narwal secured silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1, and Preethi Pal clinched India’s first track medal with bronze in the women’s 100m T35. 

Skoobuzz congratulates all the winners who despite their health challenges and setbacks, not only exceeded expectations but have also set new standards in Indian Paralympic history.