Two Daughters from Rajasthan Shine at Paris Paralympics, Winning Gold and Bronze Medals

In an exceptional achievement at the Paris Paralympics 2024, two daughters from Rajasthan have made their mark. Avni Lakhera, an Indian shooter from Jaipur, secured a gold medal in the 10-meter air rifle shooting event, while another Jaipur resident, Mona Aggarwal, won a bronze medal in the same category. This success marks a significant milestone for India, as it became the first time in Paralympic history that the country achieved podium finishes in the same event twice.

Avni Lakhera not only clinched the gold medal but also set a new Paralympic world record with a score of 249.7. This achievement surpassed her previous record of 249.6 set at the Tokyo Paralympics. Lakhera is now the first Indian female athlete to win consecutive gold medals at the Paralympics. Mona Aggarwal’s bronze medal further added to India's pride.

India's third medal came from Preeti Pal of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, who won bronze in the women's 100 meters T-35 category with her personal best time. The fourth medal was earned by Manish Narwal of Faridabad, Haryana, who won silver in the men’s 10-meter air pistol shooting event.

Overall, India has won four medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics so far, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. The day was especially significant for Indian female athletes, who have once again showcased their talent on the global stage. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries have congratulated the Indian athletes for their achievements.

Prime Minister Modi praised Avni Lakhera for her gold medal win and for becoming the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also extended their congratulations to these remarkable athletes.

The Paris Paralympics, running from August 28 to September 8, 2024, has seen participation from over 4,000 athletes competing in 549 events. India has sent its largest-ever delegation of 84 athletes to this Paralympics, competing in 12 sports.

India's performance in the Tokyo Paralympics, where it won 19 medals (5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze), was notable. However, the recent Paris Olympics saw a decrease in India's overall medal tally compared to previous games. Despite this, the achievements of athletes like Neeraj Chopra, who won a silver medal in the Paris Olympics, continue to inspire and raise hopes for future success.

Manu Bhaker's bronze medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event at Paris 2024 has made her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. Along with Sarabjot Singh, Bhaker also became part of the first Indian shooting pair to win an Olympic medal.

The history of Indian sports is rich and varied, with major successes in hockey and other sports. However, challenges remain, particularly in improving sports facilities and support for athletes. The hope is that the Indian government and state authorities will prioritize sports and players, moving beyond superficial initiatives to foster genuine growth and development in the sector. In these challenging times, athletes like Avni Lakhera serve as a beacon of hope for Indian sports.