Avani Lekhara - A Lifestory
Golden Aim, Unwavering Spirit: Championing Parashooting Excellence
Avani Lekhara is an Indian parasport shooter who has achieved significant recognition for her accomplishments in the field of shooting. Born on November 8, 2001, she hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Lekhara's journey into parasports began after a car accident in 2012 left her with a spinal cord injury. Undeterred by the challenges, she discovered her passion for shooting and began training diligently.
Lekhara's dedication and hard work paid off as she started making waves in the parashooting circuit. She has represented India in numerous international competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Her remarkable achievements include winning a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Furthermore, she also secured a bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event at the same Paralympics, making her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Paralympics.
Beyond her Paralympic success, Lekhara has consistently performed well at other prestigious events. She won a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta and has secured multiple medals at World Shooting Para Sport World Cups. Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2021 and the Padma Shri in 2022, both prestigious honors conferred by the Government of India. Lekhara continues to inspire aspiring athletes and serves as a role model for paraathletes in India and around the world, demonstrating that determination and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
