Paralympics: Shooter Avani Lekhara wins gold for India

INDIAN shooter Avani Lekhara on Monday (30) created history by becoming the first woman from her country to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games.

The 19-year-old from Jaipur in the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan fired her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women’s 10-metre Air Rifle Standing SH1 event in Tokyo where the Paralympics are underway.

Lekhara, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2012, finished with a world-equalling total of 249.6, which is also a Paralympic record. She is only the fourth Indian athlete to win a gold at the Paralympics after swimmer Murlikant Petkar (1972), javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia (2004 and 2016) and high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu (2016).

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“I can’t describe this feeling, I’m feeling like I’m on top of the world. It's unexplainable,” an elated Lekhara said after her feat.

Lekhara also won India the first shooting medal in the mega event. “I’m so happy I could be the one to contribute it. Hopefully there’s a lot of medals more to come,” she said.

She edged out 2016 Rio Games gold-medallist Cuiping Zhang of China who won the silver medal with a total of 248.9 at the Asaka Shooting Range.  World No.1  and reigning world champion Iryna Shchetnik of Ukraine won the bronze with an effort of 227.5.

'Just take one shot at a time'

“I was just saying one thing, that I have to take one shot at a time. There's nothing else matters now, just take one shot at a time and just finish it. I just think that I have to follow the process. Beyond that, I try not to think about the score or the medal tally,” the shooter, who is ranked fifth in the world and appearing in her maiden Paralympics, said reflecting on her final.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi lauded Lekhara tweeting, “Phenomenal performance @AvaniLekhara! Congratulations on winning a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold, made possible due to your industrious nature and passion towards shooting. This is truly a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes for your future endeavours.”

Ha also spoke to her over the phone to congratulate her.

Lekhara will also compete in the mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1, the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 and the mixed 50m Rifle Prone event.

Earlier this month, Neeraj Chopra won a gold for India in javelin throw in the Summer Olympics that were also held in Tokyo.

In the R-1 men's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, Mahavir Swaroop Unhalkar missed out on a podium, finishing fourth with a total of 203.9, while his compatriot Deepak was ousted in the qualification round after firing 592.6.