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Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a golden start for India in the Paris Paralympics. Avani Lekhara defended her crown in the women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, winning gold for the second successive time at the quadrennial showpiece spectacle. Avani broke her Paralympic record from Tokyo 2020 to become the most decorated female Paralympic athlete from India.

India won two medals in the shooting event as Mona Agarwal, 36, clinched a bronze medal. Much like the Paris Olympics in which Manu Bhaker won the country's first medal, shooters have opened the account for India at the Paralympics.

Read More: Sheetal Devi’s close shot: Armless archer nearly sets world record in Paris

Avani, who is wheelchair-bound following a car accident at age 11, showcased her remarkable skill by shooting a 625.8 in the qualifying round, securing her spot just behind Ukraine’s Iryna Shchetnik, who set a new Paralympic Qualification Record with 627.5.

GOLD ???? For INDIA ????????

Avani Lekhara wins gold medal in the Women's 10m air Rifle SH1 event with a score of 249.7 ????#Paris2024 #Cheer4Bharat #Paralympics2024 @mansukhmandviya @MIB_India @PIB_India @IndiaSports @ParalympicIndia @PCI_IN_Official @Media_SAI @AkashvaniAIR… pic.twitter.com/mcFf6gxQ1t

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) August 30, 2024

Avani Lekhara became the first female para-athlete to win three medals in the Paralympics for India. The 22-year-old had won a gold medal in the women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event and a bronze medal in women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 in Tokyo. She had also become the first Indian female athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal in Tokyo.

It was a thrilling final at the Chateauroux - Final Range. Avani Lekhara was in second spot until the last shot of the 8-woman final.

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Lee Yunri of South Korea was leading the final and was looking set to snatch the gold medal away from Avani. However, she shot a 6.8 in her final attempt. Avani shot 10.5 and sealed the gold medal. Avani finished with 249.7, a new Paralympic Record. She had shot 249.6 for a Paralympic record three years ago in Tokyo. 

Mona Agarwal took the bronze medal with 228.7. The 36-year-old was in gold medal position before the final elimination round. She shot a 10.6 in the first of the two shots in her last round. However, a 10 in the last shot cost her a better finish.