India’s Paralympic Stars Shine Bright with Five Medals, Including Lekhara’s Historic Gold
India’s Paralympic contingent has made a remarkable start to the 2024 Games, amassing a total of five medals, including a gold for Avani Lekhara. Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics, successfully defended her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting event, setting a world record score in the process.
Mona Agarwal added to India’s medal tally with a bronze in the same event, marking the first time India has achieved a double podium finish in a single Paralympic event. Rubina Farancis also secured a shooting bronze, while Manish Narwal claimed silver.
In archery, armless para archer Sheetal Devi set a world record score in the ranking round but ultimately finished second in her event. She also set a world record score with Rakesh Kumar in the compound mixed team qualification event.
Preethi Pal contributed to India’s medal haul with a bronze in athletics.
On Sunday, September 1, India will aim to continue its medal-winning momentum with a packed schedule of events. Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu will compete in the Para Shooting R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 Qualification, while Rakshitha Raju will participate in the Para Athletics – Women’s 1500m – T11 Round 1.
Narayana Konganapalle and Anita will represent India in the Para Rowing – Mixed Doubles Sculls Final B PR3, and Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna will compete in the Para Shooting – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Qualification.
Ravi Rongali will be in action in the Para Athletics – Men’s Shot Put Final F40 Final, while Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu (if qualified) will compete in the Para Shooting R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1 Final.
Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna (if qualified) will participate in the Para Shooting – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH2 Final, and Rakesh Kumar will compete in the Para Archery – Men’s Individual Compound Open 1/8 Elimination.
Nitesh Kumar, Suhas L.Y, and Sukant Kadam will represent India in the Para Badminton – Men’s Singles SL3 Semifinal and Men’s Singles SL4 Semifinal, respectively. Bhavinaben Patel will compete in the Para Table Tennis – Women’s Singles WS4 Round of 16.
Rakesh Kumar (if qualified) will participate in the Para Archery – Men’s Individual Compound Open Quarterfinal, while Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal will compete in the Para Athletics – Men’s High Jump T47 Final.
Rakesh Kumar (if qualified) will also compete in the Para Archery – Men’s Individual Compound Open Semifinal and Final, and Preeti Pal will participate in the Women’s 200m T35 Final.
