Avani Lekhara created history for India at the 2024 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian to defend a Paralympic gold. The star shooter clinched gold in the women’s 10m air rifle R2 SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics, adding to her previous gold at the Tokyo Games.
Gagan Narang, India’s chef de mission at the Paris Olympics, spoke about Avani’s historic show in Paris in an exclusive interview with India TV. Gagan highlighted that the shooter was in “sublime form” in Paris. “I felt very good that we won so many medals in a single day at the Paralympics. What a performance by Avani. She was in sublime form. It’s a big deal to defend an Olympic (Paralympic) gold. She was fantastic,” Gagan said in an interaction with India TV’s Sports Editor Samip Rajguru.
While Avani bagged the gold, Mona bagged the bronze in the same event, making it a double podium finish for India. Manish Narwal then took the silver in the P1 event (Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1).
Gagan highlighted how India is growing in the Paralympics now. “This is great for Indian Paralympic sport. I think it has given the boost that Indian Paralympic sport needed. Paralympians are a higher role model than able-bodied Olympians because their enthusiasm is unmatched. I get inspired watching them every day,” he added.
Meanwhile, Avani also gave her initial reactions after winning the second consecutive gold. “It was a very close final. There was very little difference between 1, 2 and 3. I was focused on my mental process and not the result,” Avani said after her historic win here. “I am happy that the Indian national anthem was the first national anthem to be played in the stadium this time too. I have two more matches left, so I am focusing on winning more medals for the country,” Avani said after winning the gold medal with a new Paralympic record in Paris.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.