Shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history on Monday as she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event in Tokyo.
The 19-year-old finished with a world record equalling total of 249.6, which is also a new Paralympic record. Lekhara edged out 2016 Rio Games gold-medallist Cuiping Zhangh of China who clinched the silver medal with a total of 248.9 at the Asaka Shooting Range.
World number one and reigning world champion Iryna Shchetnik of Ukraine took home the bronze with an effort of 227.5.
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In the SH1 Rifle category, shooters are able to hold a gun with arms. The athletes have an impairment in their legs, for example amputations or paraplegia. Some athletes will compete in a seated position, while others will compete in a standing position.
Lekhara has been wheelchair-bound since a road accident in 2012. She qualified for the Paralympics after winning a 50-meter rifle event in February 2019 in the UAE. The current world rank no. 4 has won various World Cup medals since 2017. She had a couple of junior world records in her name as well. Starting from her first National Shooting Championship in 2015, she has been winning all colours of medals for Rajasthan.
Avani is pursuing a five-year degree course in law from the University of Rajasthan. She completed her schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3, Jaipur. She was among the toppers of her school. Her sporting motto is "Life consists not in holding good cards, but playing those you hold well."
