India’s Paralympian shooter Avani Lekhara on Friday created history at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics as she became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals. She has earned her place in the history books at the age of 19. She won the bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1. The 19-year-old finished with a score of 445.9. Avani Lekhara had won the gold in Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 earlier in the ongoing Games.
Avani Lekhara, the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics
Earlier, Avani Lekhara won the gold medal with a total score of 249.6 in the Women’s 10m air rifle final, equalling the world record. The 19-year-old also scripted history becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Overall, she is the fourth Indian athlete to win a Paralympics gold after swimmer Murlikant Petkar (1972), javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia (2004 and 2016), and high jumper Thangavelu Mariyappan (2016).
Before her, Joginder Singh Sodhi was the lone Indian to win multiple medals in the same edition of the Paralympics. Joginder won one silver and two bronze medals in the 1984 Paralympic games.
“I want people to look at me and feel that if Avani can do it, then why can’t we! If my medal can inspire even one person, it will be a great thing for me… No one should feel sad about their disability. Just do what you want to do and there’s no one who can tell you that you can’t do something. You have to believe in yourself.” Avani said after winning the gold
“There’s no substitute for hard work so just give your 100% and you’ll surely achieve what you want. When life hits you, you hit even harder. This Tokyo Paralympics should be the turning point for everyone. We should all build a strong team together! It’s the dream of every athlete to represent their country and win a medal.” The 19-year-old added
India’s best performance at the Paralympic Games
With Avani’s bronze, India’s medal tally now stands at 12 at the Tokyo Paralympics. This was also India’s fourth bronze medal at the Games. India has won two golds, six silvers, and four bronze medals. This is India’s best tally at a single edition of the Para Games. In Rio 2016 and 1984 Paralympics, India bagged four medals. India is currently 36th in the medal tally.