India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics has brought immense pride to the nation. On just the second day of the event, Indian para-athletes showcased their incredible talent and resilience, bagging four medals, including a historic gold. The shining star of the day was Avani Lekhara, who secured the gold medal in shooting, making her the first Indian woman to win gold at two consecutive Paralympic Games.
Avani Lekhara: India’s ‘Wonder Girl’ Creates History
Avani Lekhara, a 22-year-old para-shooter from Jaipur, has once again proven her mettle by winning gold in the women’s 10-meter air rifle (SH1) event. Her victory in Paris follows her success at the Tokyo Paralympics, making her the first Indian to win gold in two consecutive Paralympic Games. Avani broke her own record with a score of 249.7, surpassing her previous best of 249.6.
This achievement is even more remarkable considering the health challenges Avani faced in the months leading up to the games. She had to undergo gall bladder surgery and take a break from training, which resulted in significant weight loss. Despite these setbacks, Avani showed immense determination and grit to come back stronger. Speaking about her victory, Avani said, “I am happy to win a medal for the country. I want to thank my team, my coaches, and my family for their unwavering support.”
Avani’s journey has not been an easy one. She was left paralyzed below the waist following a car accident at the age of eleven. However, her courage and passion for shooting led her to become the first Indian female shooter to win a Paralympic medal. The SH-1 category in which Avani competes is for athletes with impairments affecting their arms, legs, or lower back.
Mona Agarwal’s Bronze Medal Victory
Alongside Avani, India’s Mona Agarwal also made her mark in the women’s 10-meter air rifle (SH1) event by winning the bronze medal. This achievement is even more special as it marks the first time in India’s Paralympic history that two shooters have won medals in the same event. Mona, who transitioned to shooting only two years ago after competing in shot put, powerlifting, and wheelchair volleyball, scored 228.7 to secure her place on the podium. Mona expressed her joy, saying, “I still can’t believe that I have won the medal. Competing alongside Avani, who is a champion, was truly inspiring.”
Manish Narwal Secures Silver in Air Pistol Event
Adding to India’s medal tally, Manish Narwal won the silver medal in the men’s 10-meter air pistol (SH1) category. Manish, who hails from a family of shooters, achieved a score of 234.9, narrowly missing out on the gold, which went to Korea’s Jeongdu. The SH-1 pistol category allows athletes to compete using one or both arms, standing or sitting. After his win, Manish connected with his family via a video call, during which an emotional moment unfolded as his mother, overwhelmed with joy, shed tears of happiness. Seeing his mother cry with joy made Manish emotional as well, highlighting the deep personal sacrifices and support systems behind these achievements.
Preeti Pal Wins Historic Bronze in Track Event
Another historic achievement came from Preeti Pal, who won the bronze medal in the women’s T35 100-meter track event. This marked India’s first medal in a Paralympics track event, breaking a long-standing pattern of success in field events since the country’s first Paralympic medals in 1984. Preeti, a farmer’s daughter from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, clocked a personal best time of 14.21 seconds to secure the bronze. The T35 category is for athletes with coordination impairments, including those with cerebral palsy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Preeti on her achievement, tweeting, “Another proud moment for India! Preeti Pal won the bronze medal in the 100-meter T35 event at the Paralympics. Congratulations to her. This success will inspire emerging players.” Preeti’s race was intensely competitive, with only fractions of a second separating the top three finishers. After her win, she shared, “The final was very close. I was focused on my performance rather than the outcome.”
A Day of Milestones for Indian Para-Athletes
The four medals won on a single day at the Paris Paralympics marked a new record for India, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze. This achievement has catapulted India to the 10th position in the overall medal tally. It also underscores the growing strength and depth of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.
Numbers That Tell the Story
- 1: Avani Lekhara is the first Indian athlete to win gold medals in two consecutive Paralympic Games, setting a new benchmark for excellence.
- 4: The number of medals won by India on a single day at the Paris Paralympics, showcasing the rising standards of Indian para-sports.
- 1st: Preeti Pal’s bronze in the 100-meter event is India’s first-ever medal in a Paralympics track event, making it a historic moment for Indian athletics.
The Road Ahead
The achievements of Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Manish Narwal, and Preeti Pal are not just personal triumphs but also a source of inspiration for aspiring para-athletes across the country. Avani Lekhara is now set to compete in the 50m rifle three positions event, where she will once again be a strong contender for a medal. The nation eagerly watches as these athletes continue to bring glory and pride to India, proving that with determination, anything is possible.
