Who is Avani Lekhara, India’s First-Ever Double Gold Medallist In Paralympics

New Delhi: Avani Lekhara clinched gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final with a record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Friday. This victory marks her second medal at the Games, following her historic achievement as the first Indian woman to win gold at the Paralympics in 2020.
Facing strong competition from World Record holder Iryna Shchetnik and fellow compatriot Mona Agarwal, Avani Lekhara demonstrated her prowess and solidified her place among the world’s top para-shooters.
Avani Lekhara was born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to a family that valued both education and sports. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when she suffered a severe spinal injury in a car accident, resulting in paralysis. This life-altering event occurred when she was just 12 years old. Despite the profound impact of this accident, Avani embraced the challenge and used it as a catalyst for her remarkable journey in para-shooting.
Avani Lekhara’s hard work and determination earned her a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where she made history by winning gold in the women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 event. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Additionally, Avani secured a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle Three Position SH1 event. Her achievements transcended sports, breaking social and mental barriers as well.
In 2022, Avani Lekhara made history by winning gold at the Para Shooting World Cup. Her exceptional achievements in sports earned her prestigious accolades, including the Khel Ratna Award, Young Indian of the Year, and the Padma Shri.
Avani Lekhara’s impressive achievements in para-shooting include winning gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and bronze in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. At the 2022 Asian Para Games, she secured a gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1. Her success continued in 2023 with a gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and a silver in the Mixed Team 10m Rifle Standing SH1 at the Osijek World Cup, followed by a silver medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 at the Changwon World Cup. In 2024, she added a bronze medal in both the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and the Mixed Team 50m Rifle Prone SH1 at the World Cup in New Delhi.