WATCH: Avani Lekhara seals second Paralympic Gold with record-breaking performance in Paris

August 30th seems to be a date that Avani Lekhara holds dear, as she once again claimed gold on this day, this time at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Three years ago, on August 30th, 2021, Avani etched her name in history by winning gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics. Fast forward to 2024, and she has done it again, defending her title with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

In a thrilling final at the Paris Paralympics, Avani showcased her mastery in the 10m air rifle event. She entered the finals with a qualification score of 625.8, just behind Ukraine’s Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic Qualification Record with a score of 627.5.

Here is the video:

Golden Girl Avani Lekhara! 🥇🇮🇳



Paralympic Champion once again, Avani Lekhara secures GOLD in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 🌟#ParalympicGamesParis2024 #ParalympicsOnJioCinema #JioCinemaSports #Paris2024 #Shooting pic.twitter.com/NsHLO13mj4

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 30, 2024

Avani’s compatriot, Mona Agarwal, also had an impressive run, securing a bronze medal with a score of 623.1. Mona, a two-time World Cup gold medalist, came close to challenging for gold, but a final shot of 10 in the elimination round saw her settle for third place.

Avani’s unparalleled journey!

Avani’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. After a car accident in 2012 left her paralyzed below the waist, she found a new purpose in shooting. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography and with the unwavering support of her father, Avani began training at the Jagatpura Shooting Range in Jaipur in 2015.

Under the guidance of coach Chandra Shekhar and former Olympian Suma Shirur, she quickly rose through the ranks, earning her first international medal in 2017. Her triumph in Paris was sealed with a final shot score of 10.5, giving her a total of 249.7 and setting a new Paralympic Record, surpassing her record from the Tokyo Games. This victory was made even sweeter as Yunri, who had been leading, faltered with a final shot of just 6.8, paving the way for Avani’s golden moment.