Paris Paralympics 2024 Shooting Live Updates: Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal Qualify for 10m Air Rifle Final
Indian shooters Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal have successfully qualified for the Women’s 10m air rifle final (SH1) at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Avani, who previously won a gold medal at the Tokyo Games, finished in second place during the qualifiers, while Mona, who has been in outstanding form over the past year, secured the fifth spot. Their performances have set the stage for a potential double medal haul for India in this prestigious event.
Defending champion Avani Lekhara shot a score of 625.8, placing her just behind Iryna Shchetnik, who broke the Paralympic Qualification Record with a score of 627.5. Competing in her maiden Paralympics, Mona Agarwal, a two-time World Cup gold medallist, shot 623.1 to advance to the final.
Avani’s inspiring journey began after a car accident at the age of 11 left her paralyzed below the waist. She made history at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win a Paralympic medal. The SH1 category in shooting includes athletes with impairments affecting their arms, lower trunk, or legs, or those with the absence of limbs.
With both shooters in top form, India looks poised for a strong finish in the 10m air rifle final at the Paris Paralympics.
