![Avani Lekhara Scripts History For India At Paris Paralympics 2024](https://assets.timelinedaily.com/j/1203x902/2024/08/avani-lekhara-1.jpeg)
Avani Lekhara continued her medal-winning streak at the Paris Paralympics as she clinched her second consecutive gold medal at the Paralympics on Friday, becoming the first Indian para shooter to achieve the feat.
Lekhara, who became the first Indian Paralympian to win a gold medal in the Women’s 10m air rifle SH1 in Tokyo 2020, retained her podium spot in Paris by bettering her previous Olympic Record (OR). She set the new OR at 249.7 points after clinching a gold medal at 249.6 in Tokyo.
The 22-year-old shot a 625.8 to be placed behind Ukraine’s Iryna Shchetnik, who shot a total of 627.5, breaking the Paralympic Qualification Record. She finished ahead of Republic of Korea’s Lee Yunri, who shot 246.8 to win silver, with Mona Agarwal settling for a bronze with 228.7.
“It feels very nice to win another gold medal for my country and to defend my title, very nice,” Avani said. “It is great motivation to have (Mona Agarwal) on the podium.”
Lekhara became the only Indian after ace Indian para-javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia to clinch medals at the Games. Overall, it was India’s 10th gold medal at the Para Games.
She has the chance to improve her medal tally at the Paris Paralympics as she is set to take part in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 events.