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The Paralympic Games witnessed a disappointing performance from Indian shooters Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu, and Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna in the mixed 10m air rifle prone events. Avani Lekhara, who had recently created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals, could not replicate her winning form in the mixed SH1 event and finished in 11th place with a total score of 632.8.
Despite a strong start, Lekhara's scores gradually declined, leaving her short of a place in the final. Sidhartha Babu, competing in the same SH1 event, ended his campaign in 28th place with an aggregate score of 628.3. The mixed events at the Paralympics see both men and women competing against each other, creating a challenging environment for all participants.
In the SH2 category, Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna also failed to qualify for the final. He ended his qualification round in 26th place with a score of 630.2. Athletes classified in the SH2 category require the assistance of a stand to hold their rifles due to their inability to hold the weapon independently. They, however, retain control over aiming and shooting the rifle. Some athletes may also have an assistant to reload their gun. Only the top eight performers from the qualification round advance to the final competition.
Devaraddi Ramakrishna, a 44-year-old athlete, has been battling with limited control over his limbs since an accident eleven years ago. The accident occurred when his bike overturned on a gravel road, leading to a serious spinal cord injury. Despite undergoing surgery, he lost the ability to move his hands and legs. He currently resides in Hubballi with his family, his perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity showcasing the true spirit of the Paralympic Games.
Source: No Finals For Shooters Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu And Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna