Lekhara and Agarwal shared the podium in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, winning gold and bronze respectively in the final that took place on Friday.
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Avani Lekhara said she was focused on her though process and not the result after winning back-to-back Paralympic gold medals for her country while fellow shooter
Mona Agarwal said Lekhara’s company helped her get through a “difficult” final in Paris and win a medal.
Lekhara and Agarwal shared the podium in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, winning gold and bronze respectively in the final that took place on Friday. The two thus opened India’s account in the Paris Paralympics that got underway with the opening ceremony on Wednesday.
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While it was a maiden Paralympic medal for Agarwal, Lekhara became the first Indian para-athlete to win gold medals in successive Paralympic Games, having previously won gold in the same event in the Tokyo 2020 Games. She also ended up bettering her own Paralympic record with a score of 249.7.
“It was a very close final. There was very less gap between 1, 2 and 3. I was focusing on my thought process and not the result,” Avani said after her historic win here.
“I’m happy that the Indian national anthem was the first national anthem that got played in the arena this time too. I have two more matches to go so I’m focusing on winning more medals for the country,” she added.
🇮🇳 Golden & Bronze Glory! 🇮🇳
In an outstanding display of talent and perseverance, Avani Lekhara wins gold and Mona Agarwal secures bronze in the R2 Women 10m Air Rifle SH1 event. These champions have made India proud, raising our flag high on the world stage! 🏅🥉#ProudMoment… pic.twitter.com/7EXca8qtop
— Paralympic Committee of India (@PCI_IN_Official) August 30, 2024
Agarwal would go on to describe Lekhara as a champion and an inspirational figure.
“It was very difficult but I succeeded. So, thank you. Being in the company of Avani definitely helped. She is a champion and she inspires me,” said the 37-year-old, who dabbled in several para-sports including shot-put, powerlifting and wheelchair volleyball before becoming a shooter.
‘Was dedicated to winning the medal’: Avani’s father
Accolades poured in for Lekhara on her historic achievement from members of her family as well as her former coach Chandrashekhar.
“She is an outstanding player. Her shooting skills are excellent, and she worked very hard and was dedicated to winning the medal. I am hopeful that she will continue to bring more medals home for India,” said Avani’s father Praveen Lekhara, highlighting her commitment and talent.
“I congratulate Avani, her family, and the entire nation. She is an extraordinary talent. She has consecutively won two gold medals for the nation. I am hopeful that she will be winning more medals for the country,” Chandrashekhar said.
Lekhara and Agarwal’s medals helped open India’s account at the Paris Paralympics on Friday. India would win two more medals later in the day. Preethi Pal won bronze in women’s 100m T35 and Manish Narwal won India its third shooting medal of the day with a silver in men’s 10m air pistol SH1.