Avani Lekhara reacts to gold medal win: 'I'm happy that the Indian national anthem got played'

Indian shooter Avani Lekhara on Friday claimed India's first gold medal at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024. Lekhara won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final. Lekhara finished with a score of 249.7, bettering her own Paralympic Record of 249.6 from Tokyo 2020. 

Avani Lekhara has dropped her first reaction to the gold medal win at the Paris Paralympics. Lekhara said that she was delighted to hear the Indian national anthem being played at the arena this time too. 

"It was a very close final. There was very less gap between 1, 2 and 3. I was focussing on my thought process and not the result," Avani said after her historic win here.

"I'm happy that the Indian national anthem was the first national anthem that got played in the arena this time too. I have two more matches to go so I'm focusing on winning more medals for the country," the champion shooter added.

Also Read: India Beat USA in Medal Tally: India Climb 9 Places Above US in Paris Paralympics 2024 Standings

Avani's company helped me: Mona 

On the day, Avani had a bronze-winning Mona Agarwal for company on the podium in a historic double for the country.

Mona said, "It was very difficult but I succeeded. So, thank you. Being in the company of Avani definitely helped. She is a champion and she inspires me." The 37-year-old Mona, who dabbled in several sports including shot-put, powerlifting and wheelchair volleyball before settling on shooting, notched up 228.7 for the third-place finish.

This is the first time in India's Paralympic history that two shooters have pulled off medals in a single event.

Avani, who hails from Jaipur, endured a tough buildup to the Paralympics.

Also Read: Avani Lekhara retains Paris Paralympics 2024 gold in 10m air rifle

She grappled with a host of health issues, including a gallbladder surgery, which forced her to take a recovery break of one and half months.

But the committed shooter, who is an assistant conservator of forest with the Rajasthan government, did not let health concerns distract her from her aim of Paralympic glory.

The SH1 category is for athletes who have movement affected in their arms, lower trunk, legs or have no limbs. 

(With PTI inputs)