India’s para-athletes have made an impressive start at the Paris Paralympics 2024, with Avani Lekhara leading the charge by clinching gold in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 final. Lekhara delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s 10m air rifle final, claiming the top spot with a personal best score of 249.7 points. South Korea's Yunri Lee took the silver medal, finishing second with a score of 246.8 points.
Avani’s victory was a defining moment, as she successfully defended the title she first won at the Tokyo Paralympics, solidifying her status as one of India’s most celebrated Paralympians.
From Struggles to Success: Avani Lekhara’s Journey!
Avani’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, her life took a dramatic turn after a road accident in 2012 left her wheelchair-bound. It was her father’s encouragement that led her to explore sports as a form of rehabilitation, eventually steering her toward archery. However, inspired by Abhinav Bindra, Avani transitioned to competitive shooting in 2015, where her natural talent quickly became evident. She went on to set World Records at both junior and senior levels, establishing herself as a rising star in para shooting.
Despite her demanding training schedule, Avani has also pursued her academic ambitions. She is enrolled in a five-year law degree program at the University of Rajasthan, demonstrating her commitment to excelling in all facets of life.
Avani Lekhara’s achievements at the Tokyo Paralympics, where she became the first Indian female Paralympian to win both a gold and a bronze in a single event, made her a national sensation. These achievements have earned her prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna, which recognize not just her sporting success but also her perseverance in overcoming adversity.
India's Performance Highlights from the Paris Paralympics 2024
As the Paris Paralympics go on, Indian para-athletes are showing their skills in sports like archery, rowing, badminton, and athletics. Many are still in the running for medals, demonstrating their talent and determination on the world stage.
In Archery, Rakesh Kumar advanced to the 1/8 Elimination Round after defeating Senegal's Aliou Drame 136-131. Shyam Sundar also progressed, finishing 15th in the ranking rounds. In the women’s compound event, Sarita secured her place in the 1/8 round by defeating Malaysia's Nur Jannaton 138-124.
In rowing, Anita and Narayana Konganapalle finished fifth in their mixed team event heat, qualifying for the Repechage rounds on August 31.
Para badminton saw Suhas Yathiraj continue his winning streak by defeating Korea's Shin Kyung Hwan in straight sets, positioning himself strongly for the next stage. Thulasimathi Murugesan also advanced to the semi-finals with a decisive win over Portugal's Beatriz Monteiro. Palak Kohli, despite a strong start, narrowly lost to Indonesia's Leani Ratri Oktila in her group stage match.
In para-athletics, Sakshi Kasana and Karamjyoti delivered season-best performances in the women’s discus throw F55 Final, finishing 6th and 7th respectively.
Arshad Shaik participated in the men’s para-cycling C1-3 1000m Time Trial, finishing 9th. In shooting, Sriharsha Devaraddi and Rudransh Khandelwal narrowly missed out on finals, finishing 9th in their respective events.
Avani Lekhara's gold has boosted India's medal tally in the women’s 10m air rifle final, with Mona Agarwal's bronze in the same event, and Manish Narwal’s silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 final. As the Paris Paralympics 2024 advances, Indian athletes are making a significant impact. Their strong performances across a range of sports are capturing attention on the global stage. With each event, Indian para-athletes continue to showcase their exceptional skills and determination. Their ongoing efforts are a testament to their resilience and talent. The excitement around their achievements highlights India's growing prominence in the Paralympic arena.
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