Avani Lekhara strikes gold, Mona Agarwal wins bronze as India open medal tally at Paralympics**

Tokyo, August 30, 2024– India got off to a flying start at the Paralympic Games as Oni Lekhara and Mona Aggarwal bagged the country's first medals in the air rifle shooting events. Avni Lekhara bagged the gold medal, continuing her legacy as one of India's most accomplished parachutists, while Mona Aggarwal added to the celebrations with a bronze medal in a stunning debut at the Paralympics.

 Avani Lekhra: A golden legacy continues.

Avani Lekhara, already a household name in Indian para-sports, excelled in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. The 22-year-old shooter from Jaipur showed nerves of steel and maintained her composure throughout each round of the competition. Her precision and focus were evident as she consistently achieved high scores, eventually taking home the gold medal with a final score of 249.6 points, setting a new Paralympic record in the process.

The victory adds to Lekhara's impressive list of achievements, which include multiple World Cup and World Championship medals. She first made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold in shooting, and her victory today cements her status as one of the country's great para-athletes.

 Mona Aggarwal: A Dream Debut

Mona Aggarwal, participating in her first Paralympics, showed extraordinary skill and determination in the same event. The 25-year-old from Lucknow, who was relatively unknown internationally, quickly made a name for herself with her stellar performances. Despite the fierce competition, Agarwal won with a total score of 228.5 points, earning him the bronze medal.

Agarwal's journey to the podium has been nothing short of impressive. Overcoming personal and professional challenges, he devoted himself to the sport with tireless perseverance. Her bronze medal win not only highlights her prowess but also highlights India's growing strength in parachuting at the global level.

 India's medal tally opens on a high note.

With these two medals, India's medal tally at the Paralympics opens on a positive note, setting the stage for what could be a historic campaign for the country. Lekhara and Agarwal's victories have given the entire Indian contingent a boost of confidence and hope, as they aim to outdo their previous Paralympic performances.

The achievements of these two remarkable athletes have also captured the imagination of sports fans across India, who are celebrating their maiden success in sports. As the Paralympics continue, all eyes will be on the Indian athletes as they strive to bring more glory to the nation.

 Conclusion

Oni Lekhra and Mona Agarwal's success at the Paralympics is a testament to their hard work, dedication and support from their coaches, families and the Indian sports community. Their victories are not only a personal triumph but also a defining moment in India's Paralympic history. As the Games progress, the nation will stand behind its players hoping for more moments of pride and joy.