‘Pride of India'! Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal clinch gold and bronze at Paris 2024 Paralympics leaving fans overjoyed

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Fans were left rejoicing as India celebrated a historic double podium finish in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Avani Lekhara's golden triumph, alongside Mona Agarwal's bronze in her Paralympic debut, sparked an outpouring of admiration and pride across the country.

Avani, the reigning Paralympic champion, once again demonstrated her exceptional skills and focus. Her performance was marked by an impressive qualification score of 625.8, placing her second behind Ukraine's Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic Qualification Record.

Avani's consistency shone through as she navigated the elimination rounds, ultimately delivering a clutch 10.7 in the final round to secure gold.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation to congratulate Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal for their historic achievement. "India opens its medal account in the #Paralympics2024! Congratulations to @AvaniLekhara for winning the coveted Gold in the R2 Women 10M Air Rifle SH1 event. She also creates history as she is the 1st Indian woman athlete to win 3 Paralympic medals! Her dedication continues to make India proud," posted PM Modi on X.

Beijing Olympics Gold Medal winning shooter, Abhinav Bindra wrote on his X handle, "A huge congratulations to @AvaniLekhara and Mona Agarwal for their incredible achievements at the #ParalympicGamesParis2024. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience have made the entire nation proud. You've not just won medals; you've won hearts and inspired a generation. We celebrate you today and always!"

"AVANI LEKHARA! WHAT. A. SUPERSTAR. Gold in Tokyo. Gold in Paris," wrote a fan on X formerly Twitter.

Former India woman cricketer Mithali Raj wrote on X, "Gold for @AvaniLekhara, bronze for @Ag_Mona1, and a proud moment for India! Avani, your third medal at the Paralympics is a historic achievement. Congratulations to both of you on your outstanding accomplishments!"

Senior commentator Sunil Taneja posted on X, "Avani Lekhara is the first Indian woman to win a Paralympics gold medal. IN TOKYO. Now she has won gold in Paris as well. 2 golds, and counting!"

"The pair of Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal get India there 1st medals in Women's 10m Air Rifle at #Paralympics2024," wrote another.

"Avani Lekhara defended her Paralympic Gold. I repeat Avani Lekhara is a Paralympic Champion. Keh do sabko," wrote a third.

"Pride of India! Avani Lekhara has created history by winning a gold medal in the Paralympic Games! Her amazing talent and struggle has made the country proud! Congratulations and best wishes" added another fan.

Mona Agarwal, making her Paralympic debut, also delivered a remarkable performance. Her qualification score of 623.1 earned her a solid fifth place and set the stage for a thrilling final. Mona's steady performance in the elimination rounds saw her briefly overtake Avani and secure the bronze with a total score of 228.7.

"Mona has proven that hard work and dedication can take you to great heights. What a performance in her very first Paralympics!" shared another delighted fan.

In the qualification round, Avani's score of 625.8 placed her just behind Iryna Shchetnik, who broke the Paralympic Qualification Record with 627.5. Mona, in her maiden appearance, shot a commendable 623.1 to finish fifth. With both athletes in stellar form, their qualification not only set up the thrilling final but also hinted at India's potential to secure two medals - a promise they delivered on with aplomb.