A car accident at age eleven changed everything. It left a spinal cord injury that confined her to a wheelchair. But this setback became the starting point for an extraordinary journey in sports.
She found inspiration in an autobiography by Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra. The book sparked her interest in shooting. She discovered a sport where precision and focus mattered more than physical mobility.
At just nineteen, she made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting. The achievement stunned the nation and announced her arrival on the world stage.
Three years later, she proved it was no fluke. At Paris 2024, she defended her title with a paralympic record score. This made her the first Indian woman to claim two gold medals at the Games.
Both victories happened on August 30th, three years apart. The coincidence feels almost destined. It underscores her consistent excellence under intense pressure.
Her story goes beyond overcoming adversity. It’s about technical mastery and mental resilience. In shooting, millimeters and milliseconds separate victory from defeat.
Breaking Records and Creating History at the Paralympics
Her first Paralympic gold was a stunning surprise. Her second was a masterclass in handling expectation.
Historic Milestones from Tokyo 2020 to Paris 2024
At Tokyo 2020, the young shooter arrived hoping for experience. She left a champion. She won the gold medal in the R2 women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
Her score of 249.6 set a new Paralympic record. This victory made her the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold. She also secured a bronze medal in the rifle 3 positions SH1 event.
This made Avani Lekhara India’s first female multi-medallist at the Games.
Paralympic Record-Breaking Performances and Scores
At Paris 2024, the pressure was immense. Defending her title, she qualified second for the final. The competition was fierce, with the lead changing hands repeatedly.
In a dramatic finish, she shattered her own record. She scored 249.7 in the women’s air rifle standing SH1 event. She finished 2.9 points clear of the silver medalist.
Fellow Indian shooter Mona Agarwal won bronze. This marked India’s first double podium finish in a single event. The victory cemented a legacy of excellence for Indian para-shooting.
Overcoming Adversity: The Inspirational Journey of Avani Lekhara
Her story transcends the typical narrative of overcoming disability, focusing instead on mastering a craft where mental discipline trumps physical mobility. The 2012 car accident that left her with a spinal cord injury became a turning point rather than an endpoint.
From Personal Challenges to International Triumphs
Reading Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography sparked her interest in shooting. She discovered a sport where success depended on steadiness and focus, not physical strength.
She committed intensely to training, traveling from Jaipur to Mumbai to work with national coach Suma Shirur. This dedication laid the foundation for her historic gold medal wins.
Family Support and the Role of Determination
Her mother became her constant companion, attending both Tokyo and Paris Games as her “lucky charm.” This support provided emotional stability during high-pressure competitions.
Before defending her title in Paris, she recovered from surgery, adding another layer of challenge. Her philosophy that “ability matters more than disability” drives her advocacy for inclusion built from the start.
Avani Lekhara: Excellence in Air Rifle Shooting
Her performance at Paris 2024 was a masterclass in technical precision under fire. It revealed an athlete who had evolved from a talented newcomer into a seasoned champion.
This growth stems from a foundation of rigorous technique. Her approach is built on three core pillars.
- Precision body positioning for maximum stability.
- Controlled breathing to steady the aim.
- Exacting trigger discipline to eliminate unnecessary movement.
Technical Mastery and Competition Strategies
Competing in the SH1 class requires exceptional upper body strength. Athletes support the rifle’s weight while managing leg impairments.
In the Paris final, her strategy was deliberate. She started slowly, finding her rhythm without forcing results. This patience paid off.
She registered only one shot below 10 points. Her steady climb with scores in the upper 10s put her in medal contention early. She controlled the pace of the event.
Mental Resilience in High-Pressure Moments
The lead changed hands multiple times. When she dropped to third place, the pressure was immense.
Her response was immediate. She fired clutch shots of 10.6 and 10.7. This refusal to yield defined her champion’s mindset.
The final series was a psychological duel. After a 9.9, the gold medal seemed to slip away. Yet, she held her nerve.
Her composed 10.5 in the last shot, contrasted with a rival’s critical error, secured the title. It was a victory of mental endurance.
Beyond this gold medal event, she also competed in the 50m rifle 3 positions and mixed prone events. This showcases her remarkable versatility across the shooting disciplines.
Embracing a New Chapter in Paralympic Legacy
August 30th became more than a date—it marked the rhythm of an extraordinary athletic career. One year after Paris 2024, Avani reflected on winning gold medals on the same day three years apart. The symmetry felt destined, celebrating both historic victories.
Defending her title brought unique pressure mixed with excitement. She shared a quiet photo of her gold medal resting beside the Paris mascot. This private moment captured joy beyond the public celebrations.
Her message resonated globally: ability matters more than disability. She praised Paris 2024 for showing how accessibility transforms competition. The experience demonstrated what inclusive infrastructure can achieve.
ESPN India named her female para-athlete of 2024, recognizing her impact beyond medals. Her gold provided the catalyst for India’s best-ever Paralympic performance. At 22, she has already secured a legacy that will inspire generations.
