Picture Credit: Twitter
Shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history as she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Avani bagged a gold in the R-2 women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. Overall, she’s the fourth Indian athlete to win a Paralympics gold after Murlikant Petkar (Swimming), Devendra Jhajharia (Javelin Throw), Thangavelu Mariyappan (High Jump). She dedicated her medal to her country and thanked all for their support.
Here’s all you need to know about Avani Lekhara
Name: Avani Lekhara
Age: 19 years
Born on: November 8, 2001
Birth-place: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Hails from: Jaipur
Profession: Para shooter
Achievements:
In 2018, Avani won a silver medal in Para World Cup
In 2019, Avani was named the most promising paralympic athlete by GoSports Foundation.
In 2021, She won India’s first gold medal in shooting at the Paralympics.
Early Life of Avani
Avani suffered a major accident in 2012 when she was just 11. She suffered a spinal cord injury and was restricted to a wheelchair. But she turned to para-sports with the help of her parents and tried her hands in shooting and archery. She took up shooting and practised shooting under the guidance of former India shooter Suma Shirur.