“Shooting brought me out of my shell,” says Indian Avani Lekhara

What began as an opportunity to gain experience at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo soon became much more for Indian Avani Lekhara.

She was 19 and wanted to improve her own game. And she did it: she won the women's 10m air rifle R2 and became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.

“It was just overwhelming,” she recalls. “It was my first Games after the one-year postponement and I was so happy, excited and a little bit nervous.”

“I wanted to use it as a platform to gain experience and improve my game. I went there to gain experience and was able to win two medals. It will always be a very special Paralympic Games for me.”

Self-confidence through sport

Lekhara will compete again in Paris 2024, another step on a journey that began after a car accident at the age of 12.

“I was in a car accident in 2012 and suffered a spinal cord injury. After that, I became paraplegic, so I can't feel anything below my waist,” she said.

“I started shooting in 2015, it was just a hobby during the summer holidays. I went to the shooting range, they were in the black circle, as they say in layman's jargon. So the coach said I should try it and that's how I started shooting.”

Lekhara proved to be a natural talent and attributes her vivacious personality to the sport that changed her life.

“When I hold the rifle in my hand, I feel at home. It's the happiness and satisfaction I feel when I shoot, when I pull the trigger and look down the sights. When I shoot a 10.9, that makes me so happy.”

This happiness applies not only to her sport, but also to her life in general. Lekhara says she used to be shy, but she has become a confident Paralympian who has won medals and has her sights set on more.

“Photography has given me confidence. Before photography, I was more in my shell and much more introverted.”

“I didn't want to go out, make friends, socialise with other people. Since I started shooting in a wheelchair and representing my country and winning many medals for my country, I have gained more and more confidence.

“It has changed my perspective on life and also the perspective of people, how they see me, how they see a person [in a] wheelchair and I hope it spreads motivation and supports people.”

Further success in Paris

Following her performance in Tokyo, Lekhara made headlines in India. Her success in the Women's 10m Air Rifle R2 was followed by a bronze medal in the Women's 50m Air Rifle R8.

However, Lekhara’s journey was long and winding.

“I started shooting in 2015 and it took me six or seven years to get there. It took a lot of sacrifices, especially from my family, the support of the government, the teams, the coaches, they all helped me.

“It [winning gold] was a team effort. You have to focus on different things like physical, mental and technical and all of that together leads to winning gold. You can't just focus on one thing.”

One image dominates Lekhara's memories of the 2020 Tokyo Games, which were postponed for a year due to the pandemic.

“When we went to Tokyo, it was just volunteers and teams,” she said. “Now (at Paris 2024) we will see spectators and that is more important for our sport as it increases exposure.”

“We can cheer on other athletes, maybe families will come and support us, that will boost our confidence. There will be a much more pleasant atmosphere and a much greater participation.”

Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara was with her biggest fans in Mumbai last night.

📸: @AvaniLekhara pic.twitter.com/OT0pTKegjX

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) 3 April 2023

Once in a lifetime

Lekhara recalls the emotions that flooded through her as she stood on the podium in Tokyo and says nothing beats the sound of the national anthem.

“The feeling you get when you win gold and see your nation’s flag flying higher and higher gives you goosebumps.

“I think this is a unique experience for everyone. Everyone should go out there and give 100 percent. You should do it for that feeling alone.”

Learn more about Para Shooting and the 22 sports in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Sports Programme.

Book your tickets for the Paralympic Games on the Paris 2024 ticket website.