Avani Lekhara profile: Indian Para shooter Avani Lekhara clinched gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event at 2024 Paris Paralympics on Friday (August 30), setting a new Paralympic record. At just 22 years old, she made history at the Paralympics by scoring 249.7 points, setting a new record.
In the same event, India's Mona Agarwal secured the bronze medal. These victories mark the first medals for India in the ongoing Paralympic Games, with one gold and one bronze.
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Who is Avani Lekhara, India's gold medalist in Paralympics 2024
Rajasthan-born Avani Lekhara had previously won gold in women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event and bronze in the 50m rifle three positions at the Tokyo Paralympics. She is now the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics and the first to secure three Paralympic medals.
Just five months before the Paris Paralympics, 22-year-old shooter Avani Lekhara underwent surgery to remove gallbladder stones, which had been causing her frequent pain around her stomach and waist, affecting her performance in the shooting range.
Despite the impact on her training, Avani decided to go through with the surgery in March. She made a stunning comeback, delivering a remarkable performance at 2024 Paralympics.
In 2012, at just 11 years old, Avani Lekhara suffered from complete paraplegia after a car accident. Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that paralyzes the lower limbs, causing severe damage to the spinal cord and nervous system.
Following the accident, Avani's father encouraged her to pursue sports as a way to rebuild her life. She initially trained in archery but soon discovered her true passion for shooting, which she has since mastered with remarkable success.
In recognition of her outstanding performance in sports, Avani Lekhara was awarded the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, India's highest sporting honor.