Jaipur's own Avani Lekhara has added another glorious chapter to her athletic career by winning a silver medal at the ongoing Para Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Competing in the R2 women's 10-meter air rifle shooting SH1 category, she delivered an exceptional performance to finish on the podium. Avani accumulated a total of 249.6 points in the keenly contested event, showcasing the remarkable precision, focus, and discipline that have come to define her illustrious sporting journey.
Bouncing Back After WSPS World Championship
This triumphant outing follows her recent appearance at the WSPS World Championship, where she represented India but narrowly missed out on a medal finish. Undeterred by that previous setback, she returned to top form in Nagoya to secure a podium finish. Alongside the silver medal, Avani officially qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. The SH1 category features shooters with lower limb impairments who compete at the highest international level. Having already won two Paralympic gold medals, she has now made history as the first Para athlete from Rajasthan to represent India at three consecutive Paralympic Games. Her journey in the sport began back in 2015 when she started training at the Jagatpura Sports Complex in Jaipur.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Inspiration
Born in Jaipur, Avani stands among the most inspiring athletes in the country. She remains the first Indian female athlete to win medals across three consecutive Paralympic Games. Her path to greatness, however, was paved with immense personal hardship. At the tender age of 11, a severe car accident fractured her spine, confining her to a wheelchair for life. Refusing to let the tragedy defeat her, she transformed her adversity into strength. Balancing her academic pursuits with rigorous shooting practice, she forged an inspiring life story defined by unwavering grit and determination. She was initially inspired to take up the sport in 2015 after reading the autobiography of legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, titled A Shot at History.
Balancing Academics and Elite Training
Encouraged by her father to take up sports during her recovery, Avani pursued shooting while managing her formal education. She successfully earned a five-year law degree from Rajasthan University while maintaining an intense training schedule. Juggling grueling practice sessions and competitive tournaments, she steadily climbed from state-level competitions to national and international arenas. Among her many milestones, she set a world record score of 631.7 in the 10-meter air rifle prone mixed event at a competition held in Korea.
National Honors and Recognition
In recognition of her extraordinary achievements and dedication to the sport, Avani has been decorated with India's highest sporting honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The government of India also honored her with the Padma Shri in 2022 for her outstanding contributions to sports. Beyond central government recognition, she has been felicitated multiple times by the Rajasthan government. Leaders ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to state chief ministers have personally congratulated and honored her for bringing global glory to the nation.
