Paris: India’s journey at the 2024 Paris Paralympics began on a triumphant note as shooters Avani Lekhara and Mona Aggarwal clinched gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Avani, who had already made history by winning gold in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, successfully defended her title with a new Paralympic Games record of 249.7 points. Mona Aggarwal, making her Paralympic debut, secured the bronze with 228.7 points.
Avani’s victory reinforces her status as one of India’s most celebrated Paralympians. Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, her journey to the top is a story of remarkable resilience. After a life-changing road accident in 2012 left her wheelchair-bound, Avani’s determination and her father’s encouragement led her to explore sports as a means of rehabilitation. Initially taking up archery, she was later inspired by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to pursue shooting in 2015. Avani’s meteoric rise in the sport has seen her break numerous records and establish herself as a formidable force on the global stage.
In addition to her sporting accomplishments, Avani is also pursuing a law degree at the University of Rajasthan, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in all aspects of life. Her achievements at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she won both a gold and a bronze medal, made her the first Indian female Paralympian to achieve such a feat in a single event. Recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awards, Avani’s story continues to inspire millions.
Mona Aggarwal, also from Rajasthan, has a compelling story of her own. After contracting early-onset polio as a child, Mona became wheelchair-bound. With the unwavering support of her maternal grandmother, she explored various para-sports, including powerlifting and javelin, before finding her calling in para-shooting in 2021. Mona’s rapid ascent in the sport saw her secure a bronze at the 2023 WSPS World Cup in Croatia and a gold at the 2024 WSPS World Cup in New Delhi, earning her a spot in the Paralympics. In addition to her bronze in the 10m air rifle event, she is set to compete in the 50m rifle prone R6 and women’s 50m rifle three-position R8 events in Paris.
India’s early success at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, led by these two exceptional athletes, marks a promising start for the nation’s campaign, with hopes running high for more podium finishes in the days to come.