Life Changing Accident To Paralympic Gold Medal - Avani Lekhara's Resilient Story

Avani Lekhara, a name synonymous with excellence in para-shooting, has once again made India proud by defending her gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle at the Paris Paralympics. With this victory, Avani not only opened India's medal tally in Paris but also set a new Paralympic record, surpassing her previous mark from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Meet Avani Lekhara

Born and raised in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Avani Lekhara’s life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when she sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident. This life-changing event led her to pursue sports as a form of physical and mental rehabilitation. Inspired by Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography, A Shot at History, Avani chose shooting as her sport. Her father, Praveen Kumar, encouraged her journey, and she began her training at the Jagatpura Sports Complex in Jaipur in 2015.

Career Milestones

Avani’s first taste of international success came in 2017 when she won a silver medal at the Para Shooting World Cup in Al Ain, UAE. This was just the beginning of her journey. Over the years, she has accumulated numerous accolades, including another silver at the 2019 Para Shooting World Cup in Croatia. 

In 2021, Avani claimed gold at the National Para-shooting Championships in the Women’s R2 10m Air Rifle SH1 event. Her crowning achievement came later that year when she made history by winning a gold medal in the R2 Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. She also secured a bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 event at the same Games.

Avani’s journey to the Paris Paralympics was not without obstacles. She struggled with gallbladder stones, which caused recurring pain and hampered her training. In March 2024, she underwent surgery to remove the stones, which required a two-month recovery period. Despite weakened muscles and the challenges of regaining neuromuscular memory, Avani’s determination never wavered. With the support of her coach, Chandra Shekar, she returned to her best form, ultimately securing gold in Paris.