In the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Rajasthan’s Para Shooter Avani Lekhara has created history. Avani won the gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing S1 event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Ashok Gehlot have congratulated her on this victory.
In the event, Avani scored a total of 249.6, which is a new record for the Paralympic Games. With the win, Avani has become the first Indian female player to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games.
China’s Si Zhan won the silver medal and Ukraine’s Irina Skhetnik won the bronze medal in the event. This is a proud moment as it is India’s first ever gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics Games.
Avani Lekhara finished 7th in the qualification round of this event. She performed exceptionally well in the final and won the gold medal. In this nine-round final match, Avni faced tough competition from Chinese athlete Si Zhang. In the qualification round, Zhang had secured the top position. She was a very strong contender for gold in this match. However, Avni defeated Zhang with her unshakeable focus and determination and took the gold in her name.
19-year-old Avani hails from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. Her father’s name is Praveen Lekhara and mother’s name is Shweta Lekhara. Praveen Lekhara said that he was sure that his daughter Avani would win a medal, but they all were very happy after she won the gold medal.
Avni’s father Praveen Lekhara said that in 2012 he was working in Dholpur. At the same time, when he was going from Jaipur to Dholpur, both father and daughter were injured in a road accident. Praveen Lekhara recovered soon after. But as Avani was badly injured, she had to spend three months in the hospital. She was unable to stand and walk due to a spinal injury.
Praveen Lekhara said that after this she was filled with great despair and locked herself in the room. She was heart broken. After parents ‘ constant efforts, she finally gained inspiration from Abhinav Bindra’s biography and started shooting.
She went to the shooting range located near the house and started practicing. She did everything that her coach told her to do. She gave her 100% every single day and she became unstoppable after that. Her success is the result of her hard work, focus and determination. Avni’s story is inspiring millions.