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regular-article-logo Saturday, 05 October 2024

Shooter Avani Lekhara becomes first Indian woman to win gold at Paralympics

Finishes with a world record equalling total of 249.6

Our Bureau Published 30.08.21, 08:17 AM
Avani Lekhara.

Avani Lekhara. Twitter/@ShootingPara

Shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history on Monday as she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.

The 19-year-old finished with a world record equalling total of 249.6, which is also a new Paralympic record.

She's 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 an impairment in their legs, for example amputations or paraplegia. Some athletes will compete in a seated position, while others will compete in a standing position.

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