Avani Lekhara made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals. She successfully defended her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, scoring 249.7 in the final, which set a new Paralympic record. This broke her previous record of 249.6 from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The 22-year-old Indian shooter took gold, while South Korea’s Lee Yunri won silver with a score of 246.8. Avani’s compatriot, Mona Agarwal, secured bronze with a score of 228.7, marking the first time India had a double podium finish at the Paralympic Games.
Avani is only the second Indian, after javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. This win also gave India its 10th gold medal overall.
In the SH1 rifle shooting category, athletes have leg impairments and can support the weight of the rifle themselves. Avani will compete in two more events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics: the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1.
