Avani Lekhara

Avani Lekhara, 23, is the first Indian woman to win three Paralympic medals.

At Paris 2024, she won gold in the 10m air rifle event, following up a gold and a bronze medal from the Tokyo Games.

Lekhara was introduced to shooting during a summer vacation from school in 2015.

In her 12 years of competition, she has won gold, silver and bronze medals at World Cups, and brought home a further gold at the Asian Para Games in 2023.

For her remarkable achievements, Lekhara has been recognized with the civilian honour, Padma Shri, and the highest sports honour, Khel Ratna.

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