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• Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal clinched gold and bronze respectively at the Paris Paralympics.
• Lekhara set a new Paralympic record with a score of 249.7 in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
• Agarwal's bronze medal win opened India's medal count in the Games.
• Their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, reinforcing the belief in hard work and determination.

In a historic moment for Indian sports, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal have made the nation proud at the Paris Paralympics. The duo clinched gold and bronze respectively in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, marking a significant achievement in the annals of Indian Paralympic history. Avani Lekhara, a 22-year-old shooter from Jaipur, Rajasthan, has been a beacon of resilience and determination. Her unwavering pursuit of excellence has led her to the pinnacle of success at the Paris Paralympics.

Lekhara's journey in the sport began at the JDA Shooting Range & Home Range in Jaipur and the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. Her training and dedication have paid off in the form of a gold medal and a new Games record. In the final round of the competition, Lekhara outdid herself by surpassing her previous record set at the Tokyo Games. She finished with a total score of 249.7, setting a new Paralympic record in the category. Her previous best was 249.6, achieved at the Tokyo Paralympics.

On the other hand, Mona Agarwal, who was briefly leading the final round of shots, finished third with a total score of 228.7. Her bronze medal win has opened India's medal count in the Games, adding another feather to the country's cap. Agarwal's performance is a testament to her skill and determination, and her medal is a significant addition to India's tally at the Paris Paralympics.

Record-Breaking Performances

The silver medal in the event was claimed by South Korea's Lee Yunri, who finished with a total score of 246.8. Despite leading the competition, she lost the gold on the final shot after shooting 6.8, allowing Lekhara to successfully defend her gold medal, which she had won in her Paralympic debut in Tokyo.

The SH1 category in Paralympic shooting is designed for athletes with lower limb impairments, such as amputations or paraplegia. These athletes have the ability to hold their gun without assistance and can shoot from a standing or sitting position. Both Lekhara and Agarwal have shown that physical impairments are not a barrier to achieving greatness in sports.

Lekhara's journey to success has been marked by numerous accolades and recognitions. She made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a pair of medals at a single edition of the Paralympics. She won the 10m air rifle gold and the 50m rifle three-position bronze in the SH1 category.

Beyond the Medals

Her remarkable achievements have been recognised with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri and Khel Ratna. Lekhara's journey is not just about winning medals and setting records. It's about breaking barriers and inspiring others.

She has just completed her graduation (BA, LLB) and plans to pursue her Masters before taking the final plunge into law by entering competitive examinations. Her story is a testament to the fact that with determination and hard work, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.

Meanwhile, Agarwal's performance at the Paris Paralympics has also been commendable. She qualified for the eight-shooter final in fifth place, giving India a chance to bag two medals in the competition. Her bronze medal win is a significant achievement and a testament to her skill and determination.

The Paris Paralympics have been a platform for Indian athletes to showcase their talent and determination. The performances of Lekhara and Agarwal are a testament to the growing prowess of Indian athletes in the global sports arena.