India’s Paralympic shooting team kicked off the Paris Games with a bang, securing two gold medals and a bronze on the first day of competition. Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Manish Narwal all stood on the podium, highlighting the remarkable talent and perseverance of India’s athletes.
Avani Lekhara, the reigning champion, once again etched her name in Paralympic history by becoming the first Indian to win consecutive gold medals in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Her outstanding performance, which included a score of 249.7 in the final, shattered her own Paralympic record set in Tokyo. Mona Agarwal, making her Paralympic debut, joined Avani on the podium with a bronze medal in the same event, marking a historic double for India.
Both Avani and Mona faced challenging journeys to reach the Paralympic stage. Avani’s road to Paris was disrupted by a gallbladder surgery that forced her to take a month and a half break from training. Despite the setback, she demonstrated incredible determination, working tirelessly to regain her form and achieve another Paralympic triumph. Mona, on the other hand, overcame societal prejudices and financial hardships to pursue her passion for shooting. Having started the sport just 2.5 years ago, her bronze medal is a testament to her unwavering dedication and resilience.
Manish Narwal, the Tokyo Games gold medalist in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event, narrowly missed out on a second consecutive gold medal, but his silver medal is a testament to his consistent performance. Though he fell short in the final shootout against Jo Jeongdu of Korea, Manish’s journey to the podium was an emotional one. He competed with the memory of his brother, Manjeet Singh, who tragically passed away in a road accident in 2022. Despite the loss, Manish channelled his grief into determination, showcasing his strong mental fortitude.
With more events still to come, India’s shooting contingent is poised to continue its dominance at the Paris Paralympics. Avani and Mona will be aiming for more medals in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1, while Manish will be looking to make his mark in the men’s 50m pistol SH1 event. The team’s unwavering spirit and dedication make them a force to be reckoned with, inspiring millions with their courage and resilience.
