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The Indian shooting contingent at the Paris Summer Paralympics kicked off their campaign with a resounding display of skill and resilience, claiming three medals on the opening day of competition. Avani Lekhara, the reigning champion, etched her name in Paralympic history by securing her second consecutive gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Her victory was made even more remarkable by the fact that she overcame a challenging recovery from gallbladder surgery just months before the games. Avani's impressive score of 249.7 not only secured her the top spot but also broke her own Paralympic record set in Tokyo three years prior. Fellow Indian shooter Mona Agarwal joined Avani on the podium, winning bronze in the same event, marking a historic double for India in the women’s 10m air rifle category.
Mona’s journey to the Paralympic stage is a testament to her unwavering determination. Having faced discrimination and adversity due to her polio affliction, she discovered shooting after exploring other sports. Her bronze medal, achieved in her debut Paralympics, serves as a powerful reminder of her perseverance and the triumph over societal obstacles. Mona's emotional victory was further highlighted by her family's initial opposition to her pursuit of sports, which ultimately gave way to overwhelming support after her medal-winning performance. Her resilience and inspiring story resonate deeply with the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
Manish Narwal, the Tokyo Games gold medalist in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event, narrowly missed out on a second consecutive gold, settling for silver. His journey was marked by a personal tragedy, as he competed in the absence of his elder brother, who passed away in a road accident in 2022. Despite the emotional weight he carried, Manish delivered a commendable performance, ultimately losing to Korea’s Jo Jeongdu in the final round. His silver medal stands as a testament to his dedication and unwavering spirit, highlighting the enduring power of sports to provide solace and strength in the face of adversity.
The opening day of shooting at the Paralympics 2024 showcased the remarkable talent and resilience of Indian athletes. Avani Lekhara’s back-to-back gold medal, Mona Agarwal's historic bronze, and Manish Narwal’s poignant silver medal all contributed to a successful start for the Indian contingent. As the games progress, India's shooting team looks poised to continue their medal hunt, inspiring a nation with their extraordinary achievements and unwavering spirit.
Source: Paralympics 2024: Indian shooters kickstart medal rush with glory, loved ones and redemption in mind