Avani Lekhara was born on 8th November 2001 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. She is an Indian para shooter who has represented the country at a range of international events. Avani currently holds 5th ranking in the world in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle standing SH1.
Like most other Indian para-athletes. Even Avani has been supported by the GoSports Foundation through the Para Champions Programme.
Early life and cause of disability
Avani Lekhara met a horrendous car accident in the year 2012. This lead to a spinal cord injury which compelled her to be wheelchair-ridden for the rest of her life.
She completed her higher education in the field of law at the University of Rajasthan.
After her accident, she still wanted to participate in sports and drew inspiration from Abhinav Bindra who is India’s Olympic gold medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
She began shooting at a very tender age of 14 years at the Jagat Pura Sports Complex in her hometown of Jaipur.
Another individual who needs to be credited for Avani’s entry into sports is her father who encouraged her to get involved in sports. She tried her hand in both shooting and archer bug preferred the former to the latter.
International Achievements of Avani Lekhara
After slogging it out for two years in the para-nationals Avani finally got her much-anticipated break as she participated in the 2017 Al Ain Para shooting World Cup in UAE.
She left the spectators spellbound with her raw skills and talent. The world knew that she was an athlete who’ll conquer her event in the coming years.
Avani Lekhara at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020
Avani was in the form of her life during the course of the games. She became the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single edition of the Paralympics or Olympics.
She won a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Avani later followed the yellow metal with a bronze which she won in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event.
Recognitions
Avani’s hard work and perseverance were recognized when she was named the Most Promising Paralympic Athlete by the GoSports Foundation in India.
Avani also qualified for the Paralympics wherein she will be representing Indian in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting SH1.
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