Double Triumph for Indian Women at the 2024 Paralympics
Opening the medal tally for India at the the 2024 Paris Paralympics were two women, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal. They achieved this in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, showcasing a commendable performance at the Chateauroux range. Defending champion Avani Lekhara, aged 22, demonstrated immense composure, defending her title by breaking her own record set in Tokyo and scoring a gold medal again.
On the other hand, 36-year-old debutant Mona Agarwal, despite a slower start, found her momentum towards the end and secured a bronze medal, validating the hard work and sacrifice she'd made throughout her journey as a para-athlete, while also fulfilling her duties as a mother of two.
Although South Korea's Lee Yunri deprived India of a one-two finish by winning the silver medal, the achievements of Lekhara and Agarwal marked a promising start for India's shooting campaign at the Games. This was a significant moment, marked by the rise of two Indian flags and the playing of the national anthem - an experience both these athletes, seated in their wheelchairs, will cherish.
The competition was akin to a rollercoaster ride. Both Lekhara and Agarwal started slow but picked up the pace. Lekhara managed to perform under pressure, and with some precise shots, put herself in medal contention. Equally impressive, Agarwal showed great resilience and steadily grew in confidence. Even though she lost her lead, she bounced back, securing herself a bronze medal.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the defending champion, Lekhara, sealing her second straight gold medal and becoming the first Indian woman to do so. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. A car accident in 2012 resulted in the injury to her spinal cord, confining her to a wheelchair at age 11. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography, she pursued shooting, proving that fortune indeed favours the brave. Overall, the courage, resilience, and skill demonstrated by both athletes have set the stage for a thrilling Games in Paris.
