22-year-old Avani Lekhara's chances of grabbing a second medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024 were dashed as she finished fifth in the final of women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition. Despite putting up a strong fight, Lekhara could not secure her spot on the podium with a total score of 420.6. Lekhara had previously won a gold medal for India at the Paris Paralympics, defending her women's 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 title.
Avani Lekhara's Medal Quest Ends in Paris Paralympics 2024
India's star shooter Avani Lekhara's hopes of adding a second Paralympic medal to her tally were dashed when she finished fifth in the final of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Background
Avani Lekhara is a 22-year-old Indian shooter who made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by winning a gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. It was India's first gold medal in shooting at the Paralympics.
Lekhara was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on November 1, 1999. She was involved in a car accident in 2012, which left her paralyzed from the waist down. However, she did not let her disability deter her from pursuing her dreams.
In 2015, Lekhara started shooting as a form of rehabilitation. She quickly realized her talent and began competing in national and international competitions. In 2019, she won the gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Paris Paralympics 2024
Lekhara was one of the favorites to win a medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She had won the silver medal in the same event at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Al Ain, UAE, in March 2023.
However, Lekhara could not replicate her success in Paris. She finished fifth in the final with a total score of 420.6. The gold medal was won by Chinese shooter Zhang Cuiping, who set a new Paralympic record with a score of 456.0.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event?
The 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event is an Olympic and Paralympic sport shooting discipline. Shooters fire from three positions: prone, kneeling, and standing.
2. What is the significance of Avani Lekhara's performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics?
Lekhara's gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics was India's first gold medal in shooting at the Paralympics.
3. Why did Avani Lekhara finish fifth in the final of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics?
There are many factors that could have contributed to Lekhara's fifth-place finish, including wind conditions, equipment issues, and nerves.
4. What is the future of Avani Lekhara's shooting career?
Lekhara is still a young shooter with a bright future ahead of her. She will likely continue to compete at the highest level and aim for more Paralympic medals.
5. What are Avani Lekhara's goals for the future?
Lekhara's goals for the future include winning more Paralympic medals, inspiring other people with disabilities, and promoting inclusivity in sports.
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