Avani Lekhara first Indian woman to win gold at Paralympics

Shooter Avani Lekhara creates history by turning as the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020. By firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event here she got her grip on the long awaited gold.

The 19-year-old shooter concluded with a world record equalling total of 249.6 in women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 final. This also marks a new Paralympic record. Getting a total score of 249.6, Lekhara finished seventh in the qualification round with a total score of 621.7. But, produced a stunning recovery to win the gold.

She stands as the fourth Indian athlete to win a Paralympics gold after swimmer Murlikant Petkar (1972), javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia (2004 and 2016) and high jumper Thangavelu Mariyappan (2016).

In the SH1 Rifle category, shooters are able to hold a gun with arms. The athletes have impairment in their legs, for instance amputations or paraplegia. Some athletes would compete in a seated position, while others would compete in a standing position.

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