Para World Cup: Tokyo Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara creates buzz with another feat to his bag, she secured the gold medal in the Para Shooting World Cup with a world record score of 250.6 in women’s 10m air rifle standing at SH1 in Chateauroux, France on Tuesday. Interestingly in the process, she broke her own world record of 249.6.
With this special achievement, she booked her spot in the 2024 Paris Paralympics and is all set to be the next sporting icon of the country.
The silver medal was taken by Poland’s Emilia Babska with a total score of 247.6 whereas the bronze medal was bagged by Anna Normann of Sweden with a total of 225.6.
The 20-year-old shooter had previously secured the gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing event in the SH1 category at the Tokyo Paralympics in august last year which was followed by a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions in the SH1 event, becoming the first-ever Indian women to grab multiple medals in the Paralympics.
SH1 category is basically for the athletes with lower limb impairment for competition in rifle events.
Avani Lekhara won the crucial gold three days after being on the verge of missing the tournament due to her coach and escorts being denied visas initially but after timely intervention of the Sports Authority of India and Sports Ministry, the issue was resolved duly within time.
In a tweet by her, she said “Proud to bring home the gold in the R2 10M Air Rifle SH1 event with a world record score and India’s 1st Paris2024 Quota, at the Chateauroux 2022. My 1st Int. since the @paralympics. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me!”.
She has been awarded many awards including Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for Paralympic Shooting.
By: Mohit Singhal
