New Delhi: Indias journey at the Paris Paralympics began with a stellar performance by Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal, who brought home gold and bronze medals in the Womens 10m Air Rifle SH1 event on Friday. This remarkable achievement not only opened Indias medal tally but also set a new standard for excellence at the Games.Avani Lekhara: Champions gritAvani Lekhara, the defending champion from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, once again showcased her exceptional talent and mental fortitude. The competition was intense, with Lekhara trailing South Koreas Yunri Lee by 0.8 points as they approached the final shot. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Lekhara delivered an outstanding shot, scoring 10.5, while Lee faltered with a 6.8. This decisive moment secured Lekhara the gold medal with a total score of 249.7, which also set a new Paralympic record.Strong start!💥Avani Lekhara defends her 🥇in the R2 womens 10m Air rifle standing SH1 event from Tokyo 2020 with a new Paralympic record.Mona Agarwal wins 🥉 in her Paralympic debut.#Paralympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/dLFovJykf8— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) August 30, 2024Mona Agarwal: Bronze with golden spiritMona Agarwals performance was equally commendable, as she clinched the bronze medal with a score of 228.7. Throughout the competition, Agarwal remained neck-and-neck with Lekhara, showcasing her competitive spirit and skill. Though she narrowly missed out on the silver, her bronze medal is a significant achievement, marking her as a rising star in the sport.Road to more medalsAs the Paris Paralympics continue, the achievements of Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal set a hopeful tone for the rest of the Indian contingent. Their medals have not only boosted the morale of the team but have also inspired millions of aspiring athletes back home.
