Paris Paralympics 2024 Day 2: Avani Lekhara Wins Gold, Mona Agarwal Takes Bronze as India Makes a Mark

Paris, August 30, 2024— India has made a strong start on the second day of the Paris Paralympics 2024 with impressive performances in shooting and badminton. Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal secured gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final, marking a significant achievement for the country.

Avani Lekhara Claims Gold

Avani Lekhara, who previously won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, continued her stellar form by setting a new Games record with an aggregate score of 249.7. The final was a dramatic affair, with Lekhara facing a major challenge as she temporarily fell to second place after a penultimate shot of 9.9. South Korea’s Yunri Lee appeared to be in the lead but faltered under pressure with a final shot of 6.8. Lekhara’s decisive final shot of 10.5 secured her victory with a margin of 1.9 points, solidifying her status as one of India’s greatest Paralympic athletes.

Mona Agarwal Secures Bronze

Mona Agarwal also made a significant impact, clinching the bronze medal with a score of 228.7. Agarwal had a strong performance throughout the round, briefly taking the top position after 20 shots. Despite a consistent display, a 10.0 in her 22nd shot ended her chances of gold but assured her of a podium finish. Her achievement added to India’s medal tally and highlighted the country’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports.

Manish Narwal Advances to Finals

In other shooting news, Manish Narwal has advanced to the finals of the Men's 10m Air Pistol SH1 category, continuing India’s strong showing in shooting events.

Nitesh Kumar Shines in Badminton

In badminton, shuttler Nitesh Kumar delivered a commanding performance, defeating China’s Yang Jianyuan in straight games in his second men's singles SL3 group A match. This victory has secured Kumar a spot in the semifinals, further enhancing India's prospects in the tournament.

Historical Achievements for Avani Lekhara

Avani Lekhara’s gold medal win makes her the first Indian woman to secure two Paralympic gold medals. At the Tokyo Paralympics, she not only won gold in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 but also earned a bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions. The SH1 category in shooting features athletes with movement impairments in their arms, lower trunk, or legs.

India’s performance on Day 2 of the Paris Paralympics highlights the country’s growing success and competitive spirit in international Paralympic events.