Indian para shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history at
the Asian Para Games 2023 as she clinched Gold in the Women’s R2 10m Air Rifle
Standing SH1 category.
Avani’s glorious Gold added to India’s second medal in
Para Shooting at Asian Para Games so far. With a total score of 249.6, Avani registered her name
in the record books with a new Asian Para Games Record.
Other Indian para shooter Mona Agarwal finished 6th in
the standings.
Born in Rajasthan’s Jaipur in November 2001, Avani
Lekhara met with a road accident in 2012 that made her wheelchair bound ever
since. But this unfortunate incident did not stop the shooter as her father
encouraged Avani to take up sports and she started training in archery.
She took inspiration from former Olympic champion
Abhinav Bindra and subsequently her shooting career took-off in 2015.
Avani commenced her career with Junior World Records
to name but her career sky-rocketed in 2021 Tokyo Paralympics when she became
the first Indian female Paralympian to win two medals (Gold, Bronze) in
Paralympics history. Avani is also a recipient of Padma Shri and Khel Ratna
awards.
NE Watch Desk
